| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | June 16, 1987 | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Donore F.C | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2003-2005 | Liverpool | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2005-2008 | Bohemians | ||
| 2009 | Drogheda United | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
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John Paul Kelly (born 16 June 1987 in Dublin) is a former Irish professional footballer who played for Bohemian F.C. and Drogheda United.
"Joxer" as he is commonly known as, played at youth level for Lourdes Celtic before moving to the famed Liverpool academy in 2003 under the guidance of Steve Heighway. He made quick progression at Liverpool and before long was a regular in the reserves. Despite this, he was fired by Liverpool for his off field antics and returned home to Dublin where he took a huge step down and joined Bohemians.
He made his league debut on April 1, 2005 in a 1-0 defeat by Derry City and soon became an integral part of the side. An exciting and skilful player, Kelly played a part in Bohs' Double winning 2008 season picking up his first domestic medals of his career.
However when his contract ended at the finish of the 2008 season, Joxer was released by Bohemians.[1] He signed for Drogheda United in time for the beginning of the 2009 season. He then left Drogheda 12 games into the 2009 season.
"Joxer" has represented Ireland at many underage levels and was voted Under-19 Player of the Year at FAI Awards in 2006.
He captained the Irish Under-21 team in all three of their games in the Madeira tournament in early 2007. Also played twice for the Irish U23s [2] [3].