Keogh Eyes International Recognition

New Derby County signing Richard Keogh is hoping his move back to the Championship will allow him to pursue his ambition of breaking into the Republic of Ireland squad having previously represented them eight times at Under-21 level.

Keogh, named as captain in place of Shaun Barker for the new season, was The Rams main transfer target for the summer and having won player of the year awards in his two seasons at the Sky Blues he looks set to play a major role for Nigel Clough's side with the big kick-off only a few weeks away.

The defender has previously captained the Under-21 side and felt it necessary to make the step-up back to the Championship after Coventry's relegation to progress his career and Keogh is looking to make his mark at Pride Park first and hopes this will bring him into consideration for the full squad. Talking about his international ambitions Keogh said:

"Playing for Ireland is definitely an ambition. It was important for me to come back to the Championship. Ultimately, I want to play for Ireland but first and foremost I have to work hard on the training pitch and earn the right to get into the Derby team. If I`m playing and doing well, hopefully the call will come. The most important thing is Derby, though."

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