ROBERT BAILEY, STAR Writer

Sunshine Girls defender Malysha Kelly said she is working very hard in training as she continues her comeback from a knee injury, which has kept her out of action for a lengthy period. Kelly recently returned to competitive action in the Berger Paints Elite League with the St Catherine Racers, after more than six months on the sidelines with patellar tendonitis in both knees. With more than 50 caps to her name, the vastly experienced Kelly has her sights set on representing the Sunshine Girls in her second Netball World Cup (NWC) in Australia in August.

integral part

She could be an integral part of the Sunshine Girls' defensive unit at the World Cup. However, Kelly will be competing with the likes of Vangelee Williams, Stacian Facey, Nicole Aiken-Pinnock, and Shantal Slater for a spot on the national team.

"All of these girls can play and they train hard and so it will be difficult for anybody to make the team," said Kelly.

"You have to work hard for what you want and I am working hard to make this team to the World Cup," she said.

The lanky defender added that her recovery process has been very painful. She still has a bit of pain in one of her knees.

Despite this, Kelly believes she will be fully fit in time before the start of the NWC.

"I am feeling better and so I am expecting positive things going forward," she said.

"Playing in the club has helped my recovery."

Kelly last represented Jamaica at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in Scotland.

She made her debut in 2008 at the AFNA Championships in St Vincent and Grenadines. Jamaica finished fourth at the last Netball World Cup, in Singapore in 2011.