 He became noted as one of the heaviest goalkeepers in the Football League, with his weight reaching nearly 14 stone.Kelly earned his first international cap on 16 November 1949 against England in a World Cup qualifier, replacing his namesake Pat Kelly who had conceded eight goals in the previous international against the Scots.Hugh Kelly conceded nine goals against the English, of which four were scored by Jack Rowley and two each by Jack Froggatt and Stan Mortensen.