At 23, you're no longer an up and coming youngster, you're not even close. To think that Cesc Fabregas had been a first team footballer for seven years at that age would suggest that, once you get to that point in your career, it's about time you got a bit of a move on when it comes to marking out a first team position somewhere.
Which is why it was a bit of a surprise to see Man United recall Will Keane from his loan deal at Preston at the start of the month. He's long been suggested as a possible solution to United's goalscoring woes but that notion has almost certainly passed. Nonetheless, he reportedly asked to head back to Old Trafford to make one more play for the first team and if he keeps doing what he did for the u21 side last night, then he may just get his wish between now and the end of the season.
A strong u21 side comfortably dispatched Norwich 7-0 at Old Trafford last night with Keane grabbing five goals. But it was his fourth goal that means it's about time we dig up the old chestnut about him declaring for Ireland.
Granted, we'd like to think we've learned our lesson from the Jack Grealish affair and in truth, yes, we should have (We're sick to death of talking about it to be honest) but when you see an Irish qualified player do something like this, you can't help but wonder.
Will Keane scored this goal last night for the u21s https://t.co/vI1spxzecW
— Man Utd Videos ⚽️ (@ManUtdVines) February 9, 2016
Keane has, to this point, been steadfast in his decision to represent England. Both he and his twin brother Michael have played for England u21s (Michael had played for Ireland at u19) but with a father from Dublin, there has always been the lingering possibility that they may still choose to play for Ireland.
In truth, if it happens now, it's probably because he doesn't have a chance of stepping up to the England senior setup. However, if he can continue to perform like he did last night, then it may be worth a couple of words from Martin O'Neill to move things along.
