Burnley defender Keane eyes up dream England debut

Burnley defender Michael Keane admits it would be a dream come true should he make his senior England debut over the next fortnight.

Keane’s defensive displays for Burnley this season caught the eye of England interim manager Gareth Southgate and the 23-year-old was called up to the national squad to face Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley and Spain in a friendly next Tuesday night.

He isn’t the only Claret in the England squad with goalkeeper Tom Heaton also being selected for the Wembley double-header.

The last time Burnley had two players in an England squad was when Martin Dobson and Alan Stevenson travelled together to Portugal in 1974.

(Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

And while it remains to be seen how much game time the duo will get, Keane believes both he and the club can already hold their heads up high.

“It’s massive. It’s rare for a club like Burnley to have two players representing them,” said Keane.
“Tom has been world-class in the last few weeks, made some huge saves and helped us get the points on the board. The club are really proud of us.

“I feel I’ve been performing well and playing well in general. I was over the moon to be called up last time but to be in the initial squad is a great feeling. It was a very proud moment. I’m really happy to be here and hope I can prove myself.

“I feel much more at ease with everyone. I felt comfortable training so I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and show the manager what I’m capable of.

“From being a little boy playing football and coming through the ranks, all you want to do is play for England.

“If I had a chance to do that it would mean everything to me and I’m sure it would be a proud moment for my family as well.

“It’s natural you think about it and what it would be like. I can’t think of anything else to say other than it would be a dream come true.”