Khiara Keating surprised by her rise into Man City’s starting line-up this term

Khiara Keating has started all of Manchester City’s Women’s Super League games this season, and been called up to the England squad (Joe Giddens/PA)

Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has described her breakthrough 2023-24 season to date as “surreal” as the 19-year-old prepares for Sunday’s historic derby at Old Trafford.

Having previously made only a handful of first-team appearances for City and had loan spells with AFC Fylde and Coventry United, Keating has played every minute for Gareth Taylor’s side in the Women’s Super League so far this term and also received a maiden call-up to the senior England squad.

She said: “I don’t think it was expected and I feel like just getting thrown in there was quite good.

Khiara Keating kept three clean sheets in her first four WSL appearances this term (Bradley Collyer/PA)

“It’s been so surreal, I didn’t expect to come in and play so many games, especially against teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.

“You learn something new from every game and gain more experience the more you play, so it’s been good to get out there and get some minutes. The more you play the more confident you get.”

On her England experience, during which she was an unused substitute for a Nations League double-header against Belgium, she said: “It’s anyone’s dream if you’re from England to make it to the seniors.

“I feel like it was just, again, so surreal, but the girls were lovely. Training standards were so high and it was a great experience to just be around (that).”

It has not all been highs for Keating, who was among the WSL player of the month nominees for October after keeping three clean sheets – in City’s 2-1 loss at Arsenal on November 5, having saved a penalty, she saw a late mistake punished as