Blues pals won't be split by decision

Apr 17 2007 By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BLUES defenders Stephen Kelly and Mat Sadler are close friends off the pitch.

On it, Kelly has now taken his pal's place at left-back.

Steve Bruce decided that Sadler needed to come out of the firing line after Burnley. Kelly was switched across the defence and Bruno N'Gotty drafted in to play at right-back.

There is no rancour between the two. Said Kelly: "It's obviously difficult for him.

"I think he has excellent all season, he's done really well. I don't know what's happened with the manager, it's his decision to change it.

"I don't think it's down to how he's been playing, probably that the manager just wanted to freshen it up. We all know that we have to get promoted and whoever is playing has to do their job.

"You just have to get on with it and I'm sure Sads is supportive of me because we both want the same thing for the club."

Kelly said he could cope in the position.

"I have played there a couple of times before, at Tottenham and with Ireland," he said. "I enjoy it. Right-back is obviously my preferred position, but if I can help the team out, then I will."