Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Roy Keane offers advice to future son-in-law

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis says his future father-in-law Roy Keane has played a part in his recent development.

The Manchester City academy product, who has received his first senior England call-up, recently got engaged to Keane’s daughter Leah.

“It’s something that is good, yes, and I take a lot of advice,” said Harwood-Bellis, 22.

The former England Under-21 captain was named in interim boss Lee Carsley’s squad for their Nations League games in Greece on Thursday and at home to the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

However, asked if he had spoken to the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain about Sunday’s game, he said: “No, everything is focused on Greece at the minute.

“It’s a big game after the result at home. Obviously, we want to go over there and get a result.

“It will be a good atmosphere and a full house. We are looking forward to it and take the challenge on.”

And Keane is not the only sporting connection in Harwood-Bellis’ life.

His sister Becky represented Great Britain’s basketball team at youth level and his uncle Steve is president of hometown club Stockport County, where dad Martin used to be their club mascot ‘Vernon Bear’.

“He did it for a good time, to be fair,” he said with a laugh. “It wasn’t just a one-time thing. He was the bear. It was sad to see him stop doing that, to be fair.”

Harwood-Bellis may start on the bench in Athens, while fellow former under-21 international Lewis Hall also hopes to earn his first senior cap.

The 20-year-old left-back joined Newcastle at the start of last summer from Chelsea – where he was handed his first-team debut as a 17-year-old by Thomas Tuchel, who will become the new permanent England boss in January.