WILL KEANE wants to get one over former Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford today.
Forward Keane, 32, scored in Preston’s 3-0 win over Burnley that brought the Championship side a first appearance in the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1965-66.
Meanwhile, a rejuvenated Rashford has worked his way back into the England team thanks to four assists since joining Villa on loan from United in January.
Ironically, an injury to former academy graduate Keane partly contributed to Rashford making his senior United debut as an 18-year-old in February 2016.
Keane, who left Old Trafford during the summer of that year, said: “It was probably unfortunate timing for myself.
“Football is all about timing and making the most of those moments.
“The way it fell into place for Marcus at that time, he took his opportunity when it came.
“I’m sure it was only a matter of time when that was going to come for him, maybe it came a bit sooner than he expected – but he definitely made the most of it when he burst on to the scene.
“When I got back fit, I knew it was probably time to move on.
“When youcome through the academy as a United fan, you always want to keep hold of that dream of making it there, which I think before a couple of long-term injuries definitely I could see the potential.
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“It didn’t quite pan out but I’ve still had a lot of good clubs and a long career after that.
“I’ve not seen Marcus for a couple of years. I think, especially the last couple of months, seeing him back with a smile upon his face has been great.
“It looks like he’s enjoying football.
“Hopefully he can have an off day for this one if he’s playing — but it will be great to see him.”
Keane rates North End’s Cup run as one of the highlights of his career.
He said: “It’s up there.
“The manager Paul Heckingbottom made it clear when he came in that a good cup run can bring everyone together and help drive the season. It’s definitely done that.
“It’s helped get a bit of momentum going – especially with every tie being at home, it’s been good to go through that journey with the fans.
“Hopefully we can go one step further. It’s definitely a great challenge for all of us.
“We’re the only Championship team left in the competition, and that’s something we all aspire to be, Premier League players.”
