Keating proud to be a role model after debut England call-up

Khiara Keating could make history as the first keeper from an ethnic minority background to play in goal for England after she was selected in Sarina Wiegman's squad.

Keating is just 19 but her spectacular start to the season for Manchester City has caught the eye of Lionesses boss Wiegman, who named her in the group to face Belgium in two Women's Nations League fixtures this month.

It may be a while before Keating — one of four keepers in a camp that includes England No1 and 2023 Women's World Cup Golden Glove Mary Earps — gets playing time but she is already embracing her rapid rise to role model status.

She said: "I think it's important for anyone to make their debut but obviously coming from a background of colour, there's not many of us.

"I think we are starting to see a rise and I'm just happy that I could be an inspiration.

"I'm grateful to be in a position where I can be a role model to people."

Keating has started all four of City's Women's Super League matches so far this season, keeping three clean sheets.

She was driving when Wiegman first rang her with the good news — and it was only when she saw the England boss' picture pop up on her phone that she realised she had let a potentially life-changing chat go to voicemail.

She said: "I thought maybe I should call her back to see what she wants! She delivered the great news and then I was just buzzing.

"I feel like it only became real yesterday when I was in the team meeting and obviously Sarina introduced us to everyone, seeing it first hand.

"I feel like that was a pinch-me moment.

"Obviously it is a bit surreal that I am here with Mary. She's proven to everyone over this past year that she is so good and the best in the world and she can achieve anything."