Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

Keith Kelly (right) in action for Arnett Gardens in the National Premier League in early 2005. At left is Tafari O'Connor of Constant Spring. - file

After close to two years of inactivity, national football representative Keith Kelly had an encouraging return on Sunday.

The 24-year-old played about 50 minutes alongside mostly second string Harbour View players on Sunday and according to team physiotherapist and an observer, it was a positive display.

"I think he did pretty well. He still has a lot of fitness work to do but I think he is on track," said Karen Julius who has been responsible for his rehabilitation.

What was more important to Julius was the fact that the player who was crucial to Jamaica's qualifications for the 1999 Under-17 World Cup and the 2001 Under-20 World Championships came out of the game unscathed.

"He did not have any ill-effects of playing, which is good. We will take it from day to day but there are other factors to consider such as the weight and the mental aspect because anyone coming off a long term injury will have these concerns," she said of the Harbour View player.

For the observer who did not wish to be named, the display was very positive.

"I was very encouraged by what I saw and I am sure Harbour View were too. He started out tentatively and played it simple before gradually improving but what was evident is that he still has the vision," said the observer who is a regular at national training and Wray and Nephew National Premier League matches.

"I saw him about two months ago and the progress that he has made since then in terms of appearance is amazing," he added.

For the player himself, the greatest thing about his return was the response of the people who witnessed it.

"To see people coming up to me and congratulating me, including the referee, was good. I really feel appreciated and encouraged by that. It makes me want to come back even more but I am not pushing it," said the player who was kept out of the game by an ankle injury.

"At first it was a bit weird but I feel good about what I did but I could have done better and it was more encouragement for me," he said.