Keane thanks Burnley staff after England debut

Michael Keane hailed the work of Burnley’s backroom staff after he made his international debut last week, playing twice in Gareth Southgate’s new-look team.

The centre-back arrived at Turf Moor with a point to prove after leaving Manchester United three years ago.

And he has become one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League – helping Burnley form a formidable backline which is likely to steer them to survival.

Keane started against Germany and Lithuania last week, in a mixed international break for the Three Lions after they went down 1-0 in Dortmund before easing to victory against Lithuania.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

And Keane heaped praise on manager Sean Dyche and coaches Ian Woan and Tony Loughlan for helping him realise his potential.

“I think I’ve improved massively defensively,” he said.

“I feel like the gaffer, Woany and Tone have drilled in to me every day the need to defend right and do the basics well; heading it, clearing it, organising,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve become more of a leader on the pitch and I feel much more confident from playing games and getting all that experience.

“I’ve come on leaps and bounds since I’ve been here but I know that I’ve got to keep improving and there’s a lot more to come.”