Friday 21 July 2017 13:29, UK
Everton defender Michael Keane is determined to have a successful debut season at Goodison Park as he eyes a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for next year's World Cup in Russia.
Keane joined the Toffees in a £30m move earlier this month despite rumoured interest from a number of other Premier League clubs - committing his long-term future with a five-year contract.
The 24-year-old has already won two senior caps for England thanks to his fine form at Burnley last season and the former Manchester United youngster is determined to push on with both club and country.
"I thought Everton was a club that was going in the right direction and one that I can fit into really well," Keane said.
"I feel like it's the right time for me to come to this type of club where I'll be taking another step into the Europa League, which I've never played before.
"I want to try and push on some so I can force myself into the England team. First of all I need to keep myself in the squad, keep fit and playing games here at Everton and playing well - that's my main focus.
"In the back of my mind I've always got England and the World Cup in the summer. I know if I can impress, I'll put myself in the manager's thoughts and hopefully I can do that."
Everton have been one of the most active top-flight teams in the transfer market as Ronald Koeman looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the Champions League places.
Keane is one of 10 new arrivals, with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez also bolstering the Toffees squad.
Wayne Rooney is another fresh face having returned to his boyhood club after 13 seasons at United and former Red Devils defender Keane expects his compatriot to rediscover his best form after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
"He looks really hungry. [He's] loving his football again," said Keane. "Last out on the training pitch which is good to see and he's obviously still got the talent.
"The fitness levels are there as well so I think he'll do really well this year. The main thing is for him is to be enjoying it and playing regular football and I think he'll get that here."
