Khiara Keating has kept more clean sheets than any other WSL goalkeeper this seasonVenue: Etihad Stadium Date: Saturday, 23 March Kick-off: 12:30 GMTCoverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website
Saturday’s Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium will be a full-circle moment for Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season, becoming Gareth Taylor’s first-choice keeper ahead of internationals Ellie Roebuck and Sandy MacIver.
Keating received her first senior England call-up in October and in February was named the Women’s Super League player of the month.
The upcoming derby is the first WSL game at the Etihad since December 2022 when the two Manchester sides drew 1-1.
For striker-turned-goalkeeper Keating, who was born and raised in Manchester, playing at the home of her childhood club holds extra significance.
“Growing up in Manchester, you’re either red or a blue,” Keating told BBC Sport.
“I went from being a ball girl there when I was little to walking out of the tunnel. It’s going to be a special moment and a moment that I’ll have to take in.
“Walking out in my childhood club is going to be so special, especially with all the fans there – and we know what we have to do.
“Knowing that I’m going to be part of a derby and playing at the Etihad is amazing. Every game is special but the derby is always that little bit more special, it’s that rivalry.”
Keating has had three call-ups to Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad in total but is still waiting for her maiden cap.
On Saturday, she will face England’s number one Mary Earps, who Keating said is “class, on and off the pitch”.
“She’s always that role model for younger players like me to look up to,” she added. “What she’s achieved in the last few seasons is unbelievable.
“She’s very special and doing a lot for the women’s game.”
City have already beaten Marc Skinner’s side twice this season, winning 3-1 in the WSL in November and 2-1 in the League Cup in January.
They will need to beat their neighbours to keep pace with Chelsea in the title race, with the top two sides separated only by goal difference as it stands.
After being knocked out of the League Cup and FA Cup in back-to-back games, City’s full focus is on trying to win a first league title since 2016.
“The goal is to win trophies and we put ourselves in a good position – so far, and it didn’t work our way,” Keating said.
“We know what we have to do in the league now and it’s win all the games, score as many goals as we can and keep clean sheets down the other end.
“Now the focus is on the league and we know what we have to do to redeem ourselves from the cups.”
2024-03-22 13:23:49
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