Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane is excited by the prospect of a first cap with the Republic of Ireland.

Former Manchester United trainee Keane, the twin brother of Everton and England defender Michael – who represented Ireland at underage level, has had to remain patient after declaring for the Republic following interest earlier in his career.

Will said: “My dad is Irish, he was born in Sligo. He was raised there and was actually an orphan. He went to boarding school and was adopted, and moved to England when he was 10.

“Unfortunately, my dad lost touch with his roots, for obvious reasons as he was given away as a child, but to sort of reconnect with that and have the opportunity to represent Ireland is a massive honour and something I'm really proud of doing.

“Because of the circumstances, he hasn't stayed in touch with his family, so for him to reconnect with that is a massive thing, so he's really proud. For me to give him that gives me a lot of pleasure."