Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis says his future father-in-law Roy Keane played a role in his recent development.
The Manchester City academy product, who received his first senior England call-up, recently became engaged to Keane’s daughter Leah.
“It’s a good thing, yes, and I follow a lot of advice,” Harwood-Bellis, 22, said.
The former England under-21 captain was named in interim manager Lee Carsley’s squad for the Nations League matches in Greece on Thursday and at home against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
However, when asked if he had spoken to the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain about Sunday’s match, he said: “No, everything is focused on Greece at the moment.
“It’s a great game after the result at home. Obviously we want to go there and get the result.
“There will be a good atmosphere and a full house. We are looking forward to it and we take on the challenge.”
And Keane isn’t the only sports connection in Harwood-Bellis’ life.
His sister Becky represented the Great Britain basketball team at youth level and his uncle Steve is president of local club Stockport County, where his father Martin used to be the club’s mascot ‘Vernon Bear’.
“He did it for a good time, to be fair,” he said with a laugh. “It wasn’t a one-time thing. He was the bear. It was sad to see him stop doing that, to be fair.”
Harwood-Bellis can start on the bench in Athens, while former Under-21 international Lewis Hall is also hoping to earn his first senior cap.
The 20-year-old left-back joined Newcastle early last summer from Chelsea, where he made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel, who will become England’s new permanent manager in January. .
