ALAN Kelly has revealed his desire to prolong his Blackburn Rovers career.

The goalkeeper, who retired from playing last season because of a finger injury, is hoping to stay on at Ewood Park in a behind-the-scenes role.

The 35-year-old former Ireland international believes a goalkeeping coach would be an asset to the club's Academy set-up and the move was first discussed when Kelly hung up his gloves in March.

He said: "There was a lot of talk about that at the time but with what's gone on since, in terms of us being actively involved in relegation and the pressures that brings, it's only now that the club can really start to evaluate things.

"But I've said I'd be happy to stay on if a role cropped up to do with the Academy or something."

"I do think the kids, and particularly the goalkeepers, need someone - even if it's only three days a week."

But Kelly also admits that he is prepared to explore other avenues if he finds he has to quit the game altogether.

He added: "If the coaching materialises then great, and if it doesn't then there's pastures new and I can move into something else.

"To a lot of players it would be a daunting challenge to come out of the game after being cossetted for 18 years, but I'm looking forward to it with excitement and a bit of trepidation as well.

"I live 10 or 11 miles away from the training ground and I said last season if I hadn't stayed at Blackburn I probably would have retired last year.

"I've really enjoyed my time here but I've got other things in my life. So I'll have an active diary whether I'm still in football or not."