Omari Kellyman shows he can bridge first-team gap after behind-closed-doors success for Aston Villa
Omari Kellyman took a huge step towards bridging the gap from the Bodymoor Heath academy to first-team football at Aston Villa with a goal in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Bristol Rovers.
The Villans fell to a 3-1 defeat in the friendly on Thursday (23 March), but the 17-year-old attacker got his name on the scoresheet with a superbly finished goal in the latter stages of the game.
In a team that had a blend of regular first-team players, including Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne, and academy stars such as goalkeeper James Wright, it was Kellyman who emerged from the game with his reputation enhanced.
Kellyman’s last five outings, for both the Under-21’s and this mixed team in the behind-closed-doors friendly, have now included four goals and two assists as the youngster continues to prove his worth to Bodymoor Heath academy.
The Northern Ireland international’s recent form for Tony Carss’ side was rewarded with the attacker being nominated for the February Premier League 2 player of the month award.
It is abundantly clear to see that there are bags of untapped potential in Kellyman, with the club not having a player in his ilk since Jack Grealish rose up the ranks at Villa Park almost ten years ago.
Kellyman is a playmaker by trade but happy to play in wide areas when needed, and possesses an elegant and precise running style with the ball that is hard to find across the academy circuit.
What has become evident in Kellyman’s recent purple patch in form is the eye for goal he has acquired. His consolation goal against Bristol Rovers would certainly have left Unai Emery impressed, with Aston Villa’s official website describing the strike as a “superb placed effort from the edge of the box”.
Evidently, Kellyman is ready for the next step up in his career, but whether that is with first-team action at Aston Villa or out on loan in the football league is yet to be seen.
In other Aston Villa news, players could now be fighting for their futures at Villa Park with a mid-table finish all but secured.