KEANE TO EMULATE HERO RIO

WHEN Michael Keane’s mobile rings tomorrow, there is every chance the call be from Rio Ferdinand, his idol, coming up through the ranks at Old Trafford.

Keane left Manchester United in January last year to join Burnley, initially on loan and then in a permanent deal.

He wanted and needed first-team football and so impressive has been his form that Keane is now part of the England squad under Gareth Southgate.

It is possibly United’s loss – and Ferdinand for one could see the potential in Keane as he emerged at Old Trafford.

He has kept in regular touch, often offering advice.

That has been welcomed by Keane, for whom Ferdinand was his hero.

“When I was younger, it was always Rio I looked up to,” said 22-year-old Keane, who will be hoping to contribute to a win against West Brom at Turf Moor tomorrow night. “Rio was always more of a ball-player, which is what I wanted to be.

“I am still in contact with him now and he still talks to me every now and again. So, Rio was the main one for me. He gave me advice when I first got into the England squad (above, with Gary Cahill). I was speaking to him every day. He was just telling me what to expect and how to act.

“It is obviously great to have someone of his experience just a phone call away, so I will use him all I can.”

Of course, Ferdinand’s major ally during his glory days at United was Nemanja Vidic – more of a no-nonsense defender than his defensive partner.

“To play the ball like Rio and head it like Vidic, that would be a great mix,” said Keane, who believes his spell in the unforgiving world of the Championship helped his development, as has current Clarets manager Sean Dyche.

“He has helped my defending to improve,” said Keane.

“My body position, my heading and being more aggressive.”