ALAN Kelly is relishing the chance to work with Blackburn Rovers' young stars of the future after starting work as the Academy's new goalkeeping coach.

The former Rovers keeper, who clocked up 50 first team appearances during a five-year spell at Ewood, is now back as a coach after accepting an invitation to replace Vince O'Keefe.

The popular Irishman, who will work for Rovers on a part-time basis, said: "It's great to be back at Blackburn again."

Kelly also performs a similar role for the Republic of Ireland and Rovers' Academy manager, Bobby Downes, is delighted to have him on board.

"We had a vacancy for a goalkeeping coach so I approached Alan to see if he'd been interested and I'm delighted he accepted," said Downes.

"When he was here as a player, he was always popular."