Safety-first approach is a corker for Claret Keane
MICHAEL KEANE might have learned his football in the cultured style taught at Manchester United but he’s made it into the England team the Sean Dyche way – with no-frills defending.
The Burnley star is still on cloud nine after an impressive senior debut in Germany this week.
And life is about to get even better for the Clarets centre-half, as he heads for a Wembley cap against Lithuania today with Gareth Southgate’s defensive options down to bare bones.
Keane, 24, proved against Joachim Low’s world champions he’s adept and comfortable playing football, but the former United kid knows that home base is doing the dirty work Burnley boss Dyche demands.
It’s likely Keane may be paired with Manchester City’s John Stones in today’s World Cup qualifier – and that will present a contrast of style and mentality at the heart of England’s defence.
For while Stones is encouraged to play his way out by City coach Pep Guardiola, Keane wouldn’t dare take the kind of chances the Spaniard encourages.
“I hope perceptions are changing about centre-halves but I feel like first things first. Since I have been at Burnley, I have got to defend,” Keane said.
“I feel that’s always my priority. I want to defend well first. But while I was at United they develop you into a cultured centre-half, if you like.
“So I feel I have a good mix going on but I’ve also got a lot of improving to do. Hopefully I will get many more caps