Michael Keane has thanked Gareth Southgate for giving him his first-ever England call-up – and says he’s out to prove himself to the Three Lions’ interim manager.
The Burnley defender was drafted into the squad on Monday morning as a replacement for the injured Glen Johnson.
And Keane, who played under Southgate for two years at under-21 level, says the call took him by surprise – but it’s an opportunity that he’s been desperate for.
“I'm here to prove that I'm good enough”
Michael Keane
“It came out of the blue and I didn't expect it,” the 23-year-old told FATV.
“I was in the pool at the gym by my house and went into the changing room to a few missed calls from the gaffer (Burnley manager Sean Dyche). I was thinking 'what have I done wrong here?!' so I had to call him back.
“He told me the good news and he was really happy for me, but I was a bit shocked. Then I spoke to Gareth and he said that I was very close to being in it anyway, and that I fully deserve to be here.
“He knows what I'm like because I worked with him for a couple of years in the Under-21s, so it's been quite straightforward. He was just really happy for me so it was a nice conversation. It's one of the best moments of my career.
“Gareth has helped me a lot through my career and given me a lot of chances, so I'm grateful to him. I'm here to prove that I'm good enough, and that's what I want to show him.”
Keane scores on one of his 16 appearances for England Under-21s
Keane added that breaking into the Three Lions set-up has been a long-term goal, especially since winning promotion to the top flight with Burnley in the summer.
“It's something that I've been striving to make happen and to get towards,” affirmed the former Manchester United man.
“When the squad got announced on Sunday night I wasn't in it, so that's why it came as a big surprise because I thought it was done. I'd parked it until the November international break.
“I think that added to the surprise element. It's come through my good performances and the team's good performances. I just hope I can show what I can do.”
On the possibility of making his debut in this month’s games against Malta and Slovenia, Keane added: “It would be a dream come true – it's something you dream of, being a young boy.
“When I came into the Premier League this year, it was always my aim to get into the squad. Now I'm in the squad, I've got my chance so I need to prove that I'm good enough and try to get a cap. I think you've got to keep setting goals, and that's the next one.”
Watch FATV's interview with Three Lions new boy Keane
