My father-in-law won the FA Cup… now I’m plotting fairytale win vs Chelsea 8 years after making my debut with Man Utd
PRESTON striker Will Keane says FA Cup magic is in the family – and hopes to create a little bit of it himself on Saturday.
The former Wigan man is married to Megan – who is the daughter of Everton legend Adrian Heath.
‘Inchy’, 62, – who was manager of MLS club Minnesota United until October – famously helped the Toffees win the competition by beating Watford in the 1984 final.
He even scored the extra-time winner in the semi-final to edge out Southampton at Highbury and book a place at Wembley for his team.
Keane, 30, has heard all the stories and would love to make a few headlines himself in the famous old competition.
And North End’s trip to Chelsea – where they will be roared on by over 6000 travelling fans – looks a perfect opportunity to do that.
Former Wigan forward Keane said: “People talk of the magic of the cup and it’s something we are all aware of as players. We know the history of it.
“My father-in-law has won it – so it’s always been around and it’s something I know all about.
“I’m really excited to come up against Premier League opposition. It’s a fantastic occasion, the travelling fans will be in great voice.
“It’s great for the fans to have the day out and we want to put in a performance to be proud of.
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“Keane played for Hull against Chelsea in this competition in 2018 but ended up on the wrong end of a thumping.”
Being part of a big cup upset is something he would love to have on his CV so the trip to West London represents another opportunity.
He added: “It’s something I think we are capable of, if we go out there and everyone sticks to the game plan and we put in a performance.
“I am sure we’ll have to ride our luck at times but hopefully we can stay in the game and there’s no reason why we can’t go there and get a result – if we show our form from the start of the season.
“But we are aware that, whoever they decide to play, they have so much quality.”
Keane played his part in an impressive start to the season for Preston and remains their top scorer with six goals.
In recent weeks, their form has tailed off and the pressure is mounting on boss Ryan Lowe – but the forward hopes both he and the team can turn things around.
He said: “It was a good start for myself and the team as a whole. I then had a little injury setback, coming back from internationals early on.
“That was frustrating and I missed two or three weeks. It took a couple of games to get my fitness back and I’ve been maybe in and out a bit more since then.
“But I obviously just want to keep my head down and keep working hard to get back in the team.
“If I can do that and get back into the team, I am confident I can get on another good goal scoring run. That is what I aim to do: keep adding to the tally I’ve got so far.”