Keane opts against Ireland option

RISING Manchester United star Michael Keane last night confirmed his intention to turn his back on Ireland for a switch to his homeland of England.

The 19-year-old defender, handed his first team debut by Alex Ferguson in the league cup earlier this season, earned caps for Ireland at U17 and U19 level.

Although his father is from Dublin, Keane has opted to jump ship from the Irish camp at this stage.

Michael’s twin brother, Will, has also played for United’s first team in the Premier League this term and won promotion to England’s U21s.

“I’ve just made a change,’’ Michael said. “Hopefully I’ll be playing for England in February. The Under-19s have got a friendly against Czech Republic and I’ve been told that, hopefully, I’ll be involved in that.’’

It remains to be seen whether Keane’s United team-mate, Sean McGinty, follows suit after the Londoner was dropped from the Ireland U19 squad for the UEFA qualifier in October.

Meanwhile Karl Sheppard is hoping to emulate the success of Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Stephen Hunt at Reading, as the former Shamrock Rovers man begins a two-and-a-half year deal at the Championship club.

“It was massive seeing the likes of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long come over and do well, and Hunty as well, it’s a good thing,” said the 20-year-old after signing for the Royals yesterday. “The history of bringing good Irish players through is something that intrigued me into coming here. There was interest from a few other Championship clubs as well but once I heard that Reading were in, there was only one club for me.

“I’m buzzing for it, I can’t wait. It’s been a month since my last game so getting fitness is obviously something that I need to do and then hopefully I can break into the team.”

Manager Brian McDermott acknowledged that Reading’s strong Irish connection had been a big factor in the 20-year-old’s decision to join the club.

“The most important thing was that he was really keen to come to Reading,” said McDermott. “With the Irish players having come over and done well, that’s been very important. We’ve got such a big following in Ireland now, I’m sure this will help as well.

“Karl is young, hungry and wants to do well. That’s the criteria we’ve had here for such a long time, it’s why we’ve been successful. He can hold it up, he can score, he can play up front on his own or in a two, he played wide right in a three as well so he’s versatile.”

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers have re-signed defender Craig Sives. The 25-year-old has agreed terms with manager Stephen Kenny on the new deal which will see him go into his third season with the club.