Ace Keogh sets 20-goal target
Wolves striker Andy Keogh has targeted 20 goal hauls from himself and strike partner Sylvan Ebanks-Blake next season.
Wolves striker Andy Keogh has targeted 20 goal hauls from himself and strike partner Sylvan Ebanks-Blake next season.
The 22-year-old prepares for international action tonight for the Republic of Ireland and, buoyed by his volleyed equaliser against Serbia, is hoping for rare start against Colombia at Craven Cottage.
He said: "Myself and Sylvan were getting a good partnership going. Hopefully he will still be here next season and we can keep that partnership going and maybe get 20 goals each."
Keogh's bold target may come as a surprise to Wolves fans, as the willing forward has been more known for his tireless workrate for Mick McCarthy's side rather than his goal-poaching.
The former Scunthorpe man bagged 11 this season – one behind Ebanks-Blake's Wolves tally, who only played 20 games for the club – but created several more with his unselfish play.
Wolves have signed Sam Vokes to add more competition in attack and also want Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty. But Keogh believes the partnership with Ebanks-Blake has plenty of goals in it.
He said: "The amount of goals scored when we have played together has been decent enough. Sylvan's done really well – we've had a good partnership going and I've managed to chip in with a few. Hopefully we can keep that going next season."
Speculation has linked Ebanks-Blake, as well as keeper Wayne Hennessey and winger Michael Kightly, with moves to Premier League clubs and Keogh stresses the importance of keeping the squad together.
He said: "We want to keep the squad we have got. We are developing as a team together and want to have another crack at it next season."
Keogh has scored in his last three Irish games, albeit two of them uncapped friendlies against Portuguese clubs last week, and is relishing the chance of more international recognition under new boss Giovanni Trapattoni.
he said: "It will be good if I play. There is a new manager and it's up to us to impress as new faces. I have just got to get a run-out and hopefully then I can show what I can do. After that I'll get a holiday!"