The 23-year-old – a summer signing from Everton – has enjoyed an excellent start to her City career, netting nine goals in 23 appearances, crafting nine assists in league action alone and lifting the FA Cup.
Having made her European debut in December’s away win at Göteborg FC, the youngster is now readying herself for another appearance in the competition in Wednesday’s Round of 16 first leg tie against Fiorentina.
Though the winger admits she cannot wait for another night under the floodlights, she asserts she and her teammates must not be swayed by the excitement or emotion of the occasion.
“The Champions League is what dreams are made of,” she said.
“I was watching games on the TV and now, to be part of it is unbelievable – but we can’t be caught up in it.
“Champions League nights feel special but you can worry too much. It’s just another game of football… and we want to get the job done.
“It’s another gam we want to go and win. We’re in a good moment at the moment but every game feels the same.
“it’s an opportunity to go out there and show what we’re capable of on the big stage, which is exciting.
“It’s a good opportunity to see where we’re at in Europe and test ourselves against the best players. That’s what we try to do week in, week out.
“For me personally, I get to play against the best full-backs, the best teams, trying to show what I’m capable of but it’s also a chance to learn from mistakes.
“We’ll go out there and focus on how we can beat them. We’ve done our analysis on them.
“I played with Louise Quinn at Arsenal. She’s strong physically and in the air. We’ll focus on them but also look to do a job ourselves, focusing on where we can break them down.
“It would be amazing to win the Champions League, especially in my first season. Having won silverware in the FA Cup is brilliant and I’m hungry to get more.”
Now almost eight months into her City career, Kelly is fully settled and despite her youth, is now one of the first names on Gareth Taylor’s teamsheet.
One of our most creative attacking threats, she has played an integral role in her side’s success and credits the education she has gained from those around her.
“When I joined, I was very excited to be joining a huge Club with top players, learning from them,” she added.
“I’m learning from these players and I came here to win titles – the Champions League and the FA WSL.
“I’ve always believed in myself. I’m hungry to be better and to learn – to come to such a huge club and work with these players… Credit to them.
“We were sat at the dinner table the other night, talking about how Sam Mewis has won the World Cup; how Lucy Bronze has won the Champions League…
“For me as a young player, it’s exciting and it makes me hungry to do that. Seeing the excitement come through when they’re telling those stories put a smile on my face.
“I’m talking to these players about how I can be better.
“I’m learning from Ellen White – how she plays and what she needs from me: she’s always at the front post – and having Lucy behind me as well, I’m learning about the defensive side. I’m learning from players what they need and what I need.”
Tipped for a spot in Team GB’s Olympic squad, Kelly was also asked of her hopes for the tournament but remained ever humble.
“I just want to be focused on doing well for Man City and then hopefully, an Olympic spot comes,” she said.
“When I’m loving and enjoying my football, I’m at my best. I want to push my game on and I have the players and coaches behind me.
“It’s also important to know my body, recovering well is crucial when you have three games per week!
“I’m working hard every day, showing what I’m capable of, learning each day to be better to pave the way because each day counts.”
