United youngster ‘Keane’ to get started at PNE

Preston North End have added Manchester United striker, Will Keane, to their ranks as they complete a trio of signings ahead of their campaign that has seen them finally overcome their play-off blues and reach the second tier.

A season-long loan for the 22-year-old, he ventures a little closer to home after a stint at Hillsborough last term, finally bagging his first senior goal in the form of a penalty for Sheffield Wednesday. He amassed 13 appearances in the Owls’ jersey, totalling three goals in the end. Additionally, the partnership he struck with Austrian, Atdhe Nuhiu was one that the Wednesday faithful were keen to see return.

The South Yorkshire outfit has recently gone through a takeover as they re-sculpt the squad in the hope of at least making it a top six finish this season, the major changes in transfers now being in the hands of the owners is perhaps why Keane will be plying his trade at Deepdale instead.

He’ll gave to fight for his place ahead of prolific pairing Joe Garner and Jermaine Beckford though which will prove no easy task but the Lilywhite’s boss has designated the man-in-question the number nine shirt so he must have high hopes. The Red Devils also has high hopes for the frontman once-upon-a-time when he was the Under-18’s top scorer on 16 goals in only 17 features back in 2010-11. The former England Under-21’s International also established himself in the reserves side with six in ten. His lack of appearances indicate his injury proneness though.

Even last season he struggled with his knees, unable to shake of niggles, having a spell on the side lines in Sheffield as the medical backroom staff feared his time with them was over, due the initial seriousness.

Not the player he once was, the Stockport-born prospect is no longer being showered in the riches of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year silverware but is presented with a fine opportunity to prove himself in the Championship and avoid dropping down yet another peg in his career.

Keane has revealed he hopes to emulate the success’ both David Beckham and Danny Welbeck did in their time as a Preston player, making it his ‘trail to follow.’ His work ethic won’t be in the balance though thankfully as the youngster has vowed to ‘do my [Keane’s] best for the team.’