IMPRESSING A father-in-law generally is a tall order for anybody — however simply think about in case your future “old man” occurs to be Roy Keane.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who ties the knot with Keane’s daughter Leah this summer season, says the Manchester United nice has been an enormous assist throughout his profession.
And the Southampton defender is attempting to find a uncommon “well done” message if Saints pull off the unthinkable and sink Manchester City to achieve their first FA Cup closing since 2003 — 50 years on from their iconic 1976 triumph.
Saints arrive at Wembley on a 20-game unbeaten run having already knocked Arsenal out within the quarter-finals.
Keane tipped the Gunners to finish the defender’s Cup dream that day, however Harwood-Bellis informed SunSport: “I’m not going to knock him for backing Arsenal.
“They were top of the league and we’re in the league below, but I’d like to think he was pleasantly surprised that we won.”
Keane has had an enormous affect on the 24-year-old, who has leant on household and mates for steering following an ankle break and Southampton’s relegation final season.
Harwood-Bellis added: “He’s one of many individuals, barring my instant household, who I do know for a reality has solely my pursuits in thoughts.
“The recommendation he provides me, I do know he’s acquired my full pursuits at coronary heart, so he has helped me with choices.
“He’s been to a couple video games. He’s acquired his personal life, so he’s not going to take a seat round watching me an excessive amount of.
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“He exhibits me a number of assist and he doesn’t say well done too usually, until I’ve done one thing particular.
And the one-cap England starlet joked: “Maybe if we beat City, I might get a well done.”
Keane revealed on the Stick to Football podcast that he received’t be at Wembley to cheer Harwood-Bellis on, saying: “You think I’m going to bother him for tickets? No chance.”
He was maybe reluctant to provide Harwood-Bellis a well done on what has to have been his largest profession second thus far.
In November 2024, the defender was given his England debut and scored in opposition to Keane’s dwelling nation of Ireland.
The former Republic of Ireland worldwide was working as a pundit that day and stated: “It’s bittersweet for me, this.”
He additionally went on to tease Harwood-Bellis that the marriage was not fairly sealed at that time, including: “It’s not done and dusted yet!
“Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you.”
Harwood-Bellis proposed to Leah on a yacht off the Amalfi coast in June 2024, and the pair welcomed a daughter, Iris – Keane’s fourth grandchild – in December final 12 months.
Leah is the fourth of Keane’s five children with solely Alanna youthful and Shannon, Caragh and Aidan all older.
Keane playfully calls Leah ‘No4’ and nonetheless pops round for cups of tea regardless that she lives 180 miles away.
Anyone asking a father-in-law for his or her approval to suggest to their daughter is sure to face some nerves, however Harwood-Bellis revealed he was greater than comfy when asking the seven-time Premier League winner.
He stated: “It is what it is when you’ve been with him for a while, I like to think I’ve become part of the family.”
Harwood-Bellis and Leah saved their relationship very non-public within the early years however have been pictured collectively way back to 2019, when the defender was working his means up via the Manchester City academy – having joined the membership on the age of six.
While Keane is well-known for his abrasive on-air persona, he has given Harwood-Bellis his seal of approval.
On the identical night time that the Saints man scored his debut England purpose, Keane stated: “Over the previous few months he’s positively been a purpose menace taking part in for Southampton, it’s good for him.
“It’s great for him to make his debut, as I said he’s a bit of a goal threat. He’s a nice kid, his family has done a great job.”
