Mark Kelly (footballer, born 1969)

Mark Kelly (born 27 November 1969) is a former professional footballer who played as a winger for Portsmouth.

Portsmouth manager Alan Ball described the 18-year-old Kelly as "the next George Best" but despite some exciting performances a series of injuries prevented him from becoming fully established in the first team.

He made his debut for Portsmouth as a substitute away to West Ham United in February 1988.

[2] He never recovered from a serious knee injury sustained in 1991 and was forced to retire a year later, after a brief trial at Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to resurrect his career.

Although born in Basingstoke, Mark played for the Republic of Ireland through the parentage rule after being recommended to manager Jack Charlton.