Juventus star Lloyd Kelly hungry to break into Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans

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Lloyd Kelly is making no bones about his burning desire to fight his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, later this week.

“It would be the biggest achievement of my career so far,” said the versatile Juventus defender. “Especially this year. The World Cup is the pinnacle of football.

“Of course it is going to be difficult to be a part of that. There’s only a certain number of spaces in the squad and everyone is going to be thinking the same thing - how important this year is. Now it's about working hard to give myself a chance.”

At 26, Bristol-born Kelly is living the dream in Italian football - the home of defending. Slowly picking up the Italian language, the former Newcastle and Bournemouth defender is as effective at left-back as he is at centre-back.

He is an ever-present under coach Igor Tudor, helping Juve into this season’s Champions League . Kelly has also been an important part of Juve’s unbeaten start to the season, scoring crucial goals.

He grabbed his first for Juve in their 4-3 win over last season's Champions League finalists Inter Milan, in September’s iconic Derby d’Italia. Days later, Kelly snatched a dramatic late equaliser in the incredible 4-4 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

“It’s been a good start to the season,” he smiled with typical understatement. “I set myself expectations before it started and I think so far I’ve done all right. If you look at the players this club has had - Bonucci, Chiellini - you can only learn from them. Not to mention the players before that.

“The defensive side of the game in Italy has always been there. Its one of the things that stands out to many people who watch and analyse football.

“So I want to keep learning from these players and coaches, to adapt and progress my game in defensive areas.”

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Kelly’s former Newcastle team-mate Dan Burn was a surprise call-up earlier this year by Tuchel who has also handed slots to Ivan Toney and Jordan Henderson . So Kelly is hopeful.

“The England manager’s selection so far has been quite open in the sense that he is not afraid to bring in new players,” he said. “So, to my mind, it is just about continuing to be consistent and letting the rest take care of itself.”

Juventus coach Tudor revealed last week that he persuaded Kelly to reject Premier League interest to remain part of his team at the Allianz Stadium. The defender’s goals and all-round performances have since vindicated the Croatian.

“It means so much when you’re at a club as prestigious as Juventus,” Kelly went on. “There is competition in every position. I’ve just had my head down to do what the coach needed. That’s the mentality he needs from us players.”

Kelly’s favourite player is former Spurs, Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell. “Someone told me to watch some of his clips when I was growing up, coming through the Bristol City academy,” he said.

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“When I saw them, I understood why. He had everything. Composure, awareness and calm.”

Juventus tracked Kelly for 18 months before signing him. But he has shown leadership throughout his career As a teenager playing for Bristol City he was often praised for his maturity in defence.

At Bournemouth he captained the club after the departure of his predecessor, Steve Cook. He remains the only player signed by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe from his time at Bournemouth.

But Kelly’s game time was limited there last season with Lewis Hall enjoying a fine campaign at left back and Dan Burn locking down his favoured position at left centre-back. Still, it was a shock when the call came from Juventus.

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“I’d just finished training.” Kelly smiled. “I got home and I had a phone call. My agent said: ‘Would you go to Juventus?’

“Straight away it was a yes. A no brainer. It was mostly disbelief and shock because obviously I didn’t expect it. It came out of nowhere.

“It didn’t take me long to pack! I packed one backpack! I didn’t have any clothes for the first, I’d say, week - until I managed to get out and get some clothes from a sports store.”

Now he is focused on helping to keep his side in the title hunt - in Serie A and in Europe.

“Its what you play football for, isn't it? When you come into these environments, the mentality is ruthless.”