Johnson ruled out of Saturday's derby

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has been ruled out of Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Boss Kenny Dalglish revealed last week that the defender had started light training following a hamstring injury but the trip to Goodison has come too soon for the England international.

In his absence Martin Kelly to set to continue at right-back against David Moyes' side.

Johnson, who has endured a frustrating start to the campaign, sat out the opening four games after limping off in the final friendly against Valencia.

He returned as a substitute in the defeat at Stoke three weeks ago but aggravated his hamstring and has been sidelined for the last three matches.

The £17.5million man will also miss England's final Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro but is targeting the Reds' home clash with Manchester United on October 15 as his comeback.

Dalglish is set to put his faith in Kelly who has been called up to the England Under-21s squad for their Euro 2013 qualifiers with Iceland and Norway.

Kelly, who is joined in Stuart Pearce's 27-man squad by Reds duo Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey, has endured injury problems of his own so far this season.

However, the talented Academy graduate came through the wins over Brighton and Wolves unscathed and impressed with his performances. Kelly played in January's derby at Anfield but Saturday will be the first time he has played for the Reds at Goodison.

Dalglish has no other injury concerns with Daniel Agger (broken ribs) the only absentee.

Source: The Echo

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