Ranieri gives Keenan taste of big time

Gerry Co13 April 2012

It may have taken an Old Master to score one of his specials when Gianfranco Zola curled in a spectacular goal to give Chelsea victory against Wycombe - but it was a Stamford Bridge youngster who was under the spotlight.

Jo Keenan is hoping to step up to regular first-team involvement after playing in all of Chelsea's pre-season friendlies so far.

The 19-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes at Adams Park last night to go with the games he completed at Oxford and Portsmouth in the past week.

Now he is looking to feature in Chelsea's game in Bari next week to push his claims for a place in manager Claudio Ranieri's plans this season.

Having made just two substitute appearances for the team last season, the England Under-20 international is looking to step up a gear - and Ranieri has certainly liked what he has seen.

"I'm very happy with Jo Keenan. He is young but plays like an experienced man," said Ranieri. "He is a good passer of the ball, has personality and does well in the middle of the pitch. He can progress this year and I need him in midfield."

The departures of Slavisa Jokanovic and Sam Dalla Bona have created an opening as cover for Frank Lampard and Emmanuel Petit in Keenan's favoured position. "I've been played in a few places but the centre of midfield is my best position," said Keenan.

"I thought after last season I might be included a bit more but it has been a pleasant surprise to be involved so much in pre-season."

Chelsea played poorly last night but that was probably due to the fact that the players have faced a succession of double training sessions that have drained them.

Ranieri said: "We made a lot of mistakes but the players were very tired. They have worked very hard but now they will have some rest."

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