Keenan’s delight at finally bagging first Celtic goal.
Report / Image: Celtic FC
First goals for a club are ones to remember anyway, but for Keeva Keenan, her maiden Celtic strike was especially noteworthy, as she placed a brilliant rocket from 30 yards out into the top corner with her family in the stands watching on.
The Irish defender celebrated opening her account in style after a year and nine months in the green and white as Celtic defeated Stirling Uni 4-0 to move into second, and Keenan admitted she was delighted to get off the mark in the way she did.
Emma Black’s delivery from the corner was cleared away by the visitors at 0-0, but only made it as far as Keenan, who after taking a touch blasted it towards Clare Whitaker’s goal to open the scoring in what she admitted herself was a total surprise.
“I did actually mean it, it was a shot, I did intend to shoot!” she began.
“I wasn’t sure where I was aiming for and it definitely wasn’t a cross, but I don’t think I meant to stick it where I stuck it either.
“I didn’t think it had went in and I thought the keeper got a hand to it. I’m not known for goals at all, I only scored a few for Glasgow City and I’ve been here for over a year and a half. I’ve probably come close a couple of times but I haven’t actually been knocking on the door but it’s come at a nice time with the family being over. My mum and my nanny were over so I must have been keeping it for a surprise,” she told.
The landmark moment was one to savour for the fullback, but on the other side of the coin, she ensured she fulfilled her defensive duties helping the Hoops maintain a cleansheet, even though she admitted they were put under the cosh at times.
She said: “It was good to get another cleansheet, but I think we were a bit lucky to get out with a cleansheet in the end. I think Stirling could’ve nicked a goal, but I think we should’ve put away a few more as well, so I’m pleased with the cleansheet and the few goals that takes us that bit closer to securing Champions League.”
The Hoops had cruised to a 3-0 lead at the interval, before a quieter second half seen Celtic have to wait until the 85th to net again. But the 22-year-old was pleased to have held the visitors at bay and escape without conceding, and explained the importance of continuing to build another run ahead of big few weeks for the club.
“In the first half I thought we were very good and I’d have put us down for a few more goals after that, but it’s a game of two halves and they put us under pressure and maybe let us off the hook, but I’m pleased with the three points.
“If we can build on this and get another decent win it builds us perfectly for Glasgow City in the Cup and then Hibs in the League,” she told.
Celtic play Forfar Farmington in the SWPL1 on Sunday 8 September at K-Park in a 2pm kick-off. Adults £5, concessions £3 and under-26s free.
