‘Still hasn’t hit me yet’ – New addition opens up on signing for Tottenham

Speaking to St Patrick Athletic, new Tottenham goalkeeper Josh Keeley has revealed his excitement at the opportunity he finds himself with.

Keeley officially joined the Spurs academy from St Patrick Athletic on Friday, alongside defender Tyrell Ashcroft from Reading (Spurs Official).

The addition of the 19-year-old represents another shift in the makeup of Antonio Conte’s goalkeeping department, having already seen Pierluigi Gollini replaced by Fraser Forster in the first team squad this summer (Football.London).

Keeley has been successful during his time in Ireland, winning league titles at under 15, under 17, and under 19 level for his boyhood club, as well as making two senior appearances (Football.London).

Speaking to his former employers, the Irishman spoke of his delight at signing for Spurs (StPatsFC.com): “I’m absolutely over the moon to be signing for such a big team like Tottenham.

“It’s a great achievement for me and my family. Obviously, it’s everyone’s dream to get over to England and to do it with such a big team like Tottenham it feels even better.

“It has been coming about for the last couple of weeks now. When I was back over on trial in February it was just kind of get over there, it was a new environment with great facilities and everything.

“It didn’t even feel real at the start and it still hasn’t hit me yet, but it’s getting over there, the quality, the staff, everyone is so nice and the training ground is great.”

Keeley also spoke of his thoughts about moving away from home and what he expects to gain out of his time in N17.

He added: “It’s only a quick flight across the water, it’s handy. It’s going to be different, the lifestyle, everything, meeting new players. It’s like starting over again, but it’s kind of putting my head down and just getting really started now.

“It’s going to be huge but they have the facilities, the coaches, everything to just improve me more and more. What I’m looking forward to most is just improving my game.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It’s great to see Spurs add young talent to the roster and it certainly boosts the overall level of development in the academy sides.

Keeley’s comments suggest a young man with his head firmly on his shoulders. I am excited to see what he has to offer and whether he can prove that he has the potential to break into the first-team squad in seasons to come.