Defender Michael Keane claims it was always his desire to play for England. Keane impressed while playing for Burnley .His club performances made him initially part of Ireland’s youth squad before his recent debut for England’s national team.
Keane was handed his international debut while playing for England in the game against Germany. The Burnley defender had previously managed to earn playing time for Ireland’s national squad. The 24-year-old insists it was always his desire to play for England’s national team.
“I always wanted to play for England, but when I was younger I was not at the level required so I thought it best to go and get some experience at international level,” Keane told reporters. “That is what I did”.
“When I got a call saying they wanted me, I did not think twice. I was thankful to Ireland to play, but England was my country. There was never any doubt.”
“My dad was born in Ireland but moved to England when he was nine, he’s over the moon.”
Keane impressed on his first ever game for England despite a 1-0 loss. The defender got the chance of playing alongside players such as Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling. Keane never left the impression of beyond the responsibilities being asked of him. Some pundits even suggested Keane was the best player of the day out of England’s defensive line.
The defender is steadily making a reputation as one of the best players in his position in England. Keane developed as a player through Manchester United’s youth system. While seen as a player with great potential, the youngster found it hard to receive playing time for United. Manchester United loaned the player out to Leicester, Derby and Blackburn, Eventually the player received a transfer to Burnley, the team where the defender came into his own.
Keane impressed for England and may find a place in the squad for other World Cup qualifying games. The player’s performances have also sparked the interest of high-profile teams. Chelsea is chief among the teams rumored to be interested in signing the player at the end of the season.