Paul Keegan knows he'll be walking down the aisle at the end of September but he doesn't know if he'll be walking out at the Carlisle Grounds - or any League of Ireland pitch - in 2020. Keegan turned 35 in July and has been an ever-present for the S
Paul Keegan knows he'll be walking down the aisle at the end of September but he doesn't know if he'll be walking out at the Carlisle Grounds - or any League of Ireland pitch - in 2020.
Keegan turned 35 in July and has been an ever-present for the Seagulls this season when fit; missing a handful of games through suspension and a broken nose.
But with married life on the horizon, the former Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers isn't sure if he's going to commit to football like he's willing to commit to his fiancee.
'I don’t know what’ll happen to me yet. I’ll wait and see. I’ll see what happens this season first and speak to Gaz (Gary Cronin) then and see what happens but I’m enjoying it and after last night – with the draw – I was disappointed but I always go out and enjoy playing football.
'I feel happy. I’ve tried to look after myself (he clutches a yoga mat as we speak) because obviously the older you get; the more injuries you’ll pick up but I’ve tried to look after myself and plays as much as I could and one game a week (in the First Division) is better than the Premier Division (schedule). It’s easier on the body but we’ve still got games to go this year and we’re hoping to make the play-offs.
‘I don’t know yet. Obviously I’m focusing on this season and I think we’re still in with a shout of the play-offs. A lot of teams feel the pressure and other teams have nothing to lose so they can go and attack teams like Cobh did last night and scored three goals. We weren’t at it last night.'
The squad that Cronin assembled were largely considered second favourites for the second tier but now look unlikely to make the play-offs. It has soured Keegan's mood but he's buoyed by seeing the likes of Andrew Moran - 20 years his junior - making his debut on Friday.
'He’s a great little player! He did very well when he came on and it showed that he’s well able to step in. He’s looked really good when he has trained with us and he is very sharp. The more chance we can give to the younger players; the better. The experience he can take from last night should do him the world of good and hopefully he can take it all into next year.'
'It’s been disappointing obviously (this season). We would have thought we would have and expected to do better in lots of ways but we do have a young team. Gaz has put together a completely new team and we’ve had some great performances and we’ve had some performances. It’s about getting that consistency right – whoever is most consistent will win the league.
