In a light-hearted moment that delighted fans and pundits alike, former Ireland star Roy Keane found himself in an unusual predicament when Taylor Harwood-Bellis, his future son-in-law, scored a debut goal for England in their 5-0 victory over Ireland in the Nations League.
Harwood-Bellis, who is set to marry Keane’s daughter Leah, made a stunning entrance on the international stage. Just 17 minutes after coming off the bench, the 22-year-old Southampton defender headed in England’s fifth goal at Wembley, courtesy of a pinpoint cross from Jude Bellingham. But while the goal was a dream debut for Harwood-Bellis, it left his future father-in-law with mixed emotions.
Watching from the stands in his capacity as a television pundit, Keane, known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense demeanour, couldn’t resist poking fun at the young defender’s success. In a tongue-in-cheek interview, the former Manchester United captain joked that Harwood-Bellis’ wedding plans might be in jeopardy following his goal against Keane’s beloved Ireland.
“It’s bittersweet for me, this one,” Keane quipped with a sly grin. “I can’t say the wedding is done and dusted just yet. Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you.”
Despite his playful jabs, Keane didn’t hold back in praising Harwood-Bellis’ progress as a player. The young defender, a product of Manchester City’s famed youth academy, has been impressing with his performances for Southampton this season, showing both defensive solidity and an increasing knack for goal-scoring.
“Over the last few months, he’s developed a real goal threat, even playing for Southampton,” Keane admitted. “It’s good for him to get his debut and to score. His family have done a fantastic job raising him, he’s a really nice kid.” the former Manchester United player added
Keane, who earned 67 caps for Ireland during his illustrious career, is famously known for his fiery personality on and off the pitch. But the veteran midfielder has a soft spot when it comes to his daughter Leah’s fiancé. The humorous exchange showcased a rare glimpse of Keane’s softer side, revealing a proud, albeit slightly conflicted, future father-in-law.
As for Harwood-Bellis, his debut goal couldn’t have come at a better time, not just boosting his profile on the international stage but also giving him a memorable story to share at family gatherings. Whether or not it affects the wedding date remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the young defender has earned the respect of one of football’s most notoriously hard-to-please figures.
For now, Harwood-Bellis will need to continue impressing both on the pitch and at family dinners to stay in Keane’s good books.
