Keita grateful for Bohs’ support to enable him play during Ramadan

US-born defender hoping Gypsies can follow up Shels win against Dundalk

Bohemians’ American defender Aboubacar Keita says he’s keen to repay the faith shown in him by the club after they accommodated his request to continue playing while fasting during Ramadan..

It’s been a busy spell for Keita (below), a long-time target for Bohs before he arrived in Dublin just before the transfer window closed.

The former youth cap with the USA had a tough start to League of Ireland life with a disappointing loss to Drogheda United on his debut after which he was left out of the side for two games, then the sacking of the manager who signed him (Declan Devine), and a bruising night in a derby defeat to Shamrock Rovers where he was substituted early, followed by a two-game spell on the bench.

Keita was restored to the starting team for Friday’s game away to Shelbourne and he delivered an immense display at centre-half alongside Jevon Mills, leading to chants of ‘USA’ from the Bohs’ support. And amid all the upheaval, as a Muslim, Keita was observing Ramadan with all that entails, including the requirement to fast.

“It was very tough. That’s why at times when you watch the previous couple of games you can see at 50 or 60 minutes I’m getting tired. That’s religion – I’ve got to do what I go to do. I’m happy now it’s over and I’m able to give 100 per cent to the team,” Keita said ahead of tonight’s home game against Dundalk.

“Before Ramadan started, I spoke to the club and the club knew where I was coming from. They were able to help me as much as I could and they trusted me to play some of the games while I was fasting. Not every club would give you that opportunity but I’m thankful to them for giving me that opportunity.

“I’m getting back to full fitness now and I’m just hoping I can pay back the club for the trust and the chance they took on bringing me in after being out for a long time. Coming here and people making me feel welcome, from the guys in the locker room and the fans, I just hope I can provide and help out the team as much as I can.”

Now 24, Keita had been on the books of Columbus Crew and Colorado Rapids. Capped at U-20 level by the US, the chance of a move to Europe – and Dublin – came up in the form of a loan deal and he’s settled in, with wife Devionne and ninemonth-old son Abdou as company.

“When the chance came I jumped on it right away, coming back from injury, having not played in a while, they took a chance on me and I’m just hoping to pay that back now,” he explained.

“It’s my first time playing outside the US but as a footballer, these are the things you look forward to – going different places and trying to adapt. If I can play in America and learn that system, then I should be able to come here and learn the system and keep going.”

Bohs’ form sums up the league’s erratic nature: a week ago, after a loss to Waterford, they were in the bottom three but thanks to the Shels win they’re now in the top five. Were they to beat Dundalk and Drogheda (Friday) in successive home games, they could potentially be up to second in the table by week’s end.