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A thread to discuss Michael Keane.
Michael Keane of Manchester United has rejected Paul Doolin’s call-up to the Ireland U19 squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Michael Keane is the twin brother of William Keane, winner of the U17 European Championships with England and currently an England U19 international. The two brothers currently play for Manchester United, with Michael a defender, and William a prolific striker.
Doolin commented, “Michael Keane was chosen, but late in the day called me to withdraw.”
The Keane brothers were born in Stockport, grew up there, and have an English mother. They are eligible for Ireland, however, through their father.
While Michael Keane has yet to come out and verbally declare his intention to play for England, the withdrawal could represent something of a coup for the three lions if he is to pursue his desire to link up with his brother in the England setup. One, it puts the brakes on William potentially swapping allegiances (he’s never given any indication of wishing to do so ), and two, Michael‘s fast-tracked development over the past few months has seen him feature on the bench for the Carling Cup as well as feature regularly at Reserve level for Manchester United – representing a huge benefit to enhancing the England backline.
Reserves boss Warren Joyce has praised United's latest first-team debutant Michael Keane.
The 18-year-old defender came off the bench at Aldershot, replacing Ezekiel Fryers, to become the fourth player to make his United bow in this season's competition.
Keane also managed to pip his twin brother Will to an appearance as the striker was an unused substitute at the EBB Stadium.
"Michael has had a really good season," enthused Joyce to ManUtd.com. "I can't remember him having a bad training session, let alone a bad game.
"He's a consistent kid who works very hard."
Another of the Reds' recent debutants, Larnell Cole, was also a substitute after getting a brief taste of action at Leeds in the previous round.
"Larnell Cole is another one who I can't remember having a bad session," added Joyce. "He and Michael are really consistent."
true, can't say he isn't United standard yet. We've had players prove us wrong so many occasions, best example is Cleverley!
While Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand reprised their tried and tested partnership in central defence against Valerenga, rookie defender Michael Keane was making his first senior start in an unfamiliar left-back role.
The absence of Patrice Evra, who returned to Manchester to be with his pregnant wife during her labour, gave Keane an unexpected outing, but he savoured every moment of the Reds' goalless draw in Norway.
"It was strange," the youngster told MUTV. "I've not played there [left-back] for over a year now, but I thought I adapted quite well to the position and Rio and all the other players helped me out a lot, so I thought I did quite well.
"They've all got great experience and they're great players to play with. I grew up watching all of them and to play in the same team as them is great. I really enjoyed it."
Club captain Vidic, meanwhile, was suitably impressed with Keane's endeavours, admitting: "I'm glad he's had a full ninety minutes. He was confident on the ball and it's a big change from the youth academy, obviously, and I think he did really well."
Whether or not Keane is involved in the Reds' next outing, against Barcelona on Wednesday, he is merely relishing the chance to be a part of the senior squad's pre-season preparations.
"It's been good so far," he said. "We've only been here a day but we had a good time around the hotel and the game today was a great experience. It [the Barcelona game] is a great occasion for everyone and it'll just be a great game to watch, never mind play in if I get a chance. I'm looking forward to it."
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