Crossword Genius

Key, covered in rubbish, sparkled (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

glittered

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sparkled' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'key covered in rubbish' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'key' could be 'g' (musical key) and 'g' is found in the answer.
'rubbish' could be 'litter' (litter is a kind of rubbish) and 'litter' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for glittered that I've seen before include "Sparkled" , "Was brilliant" , "Was like a star" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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