By Jon Colman

Published at 11:52, Thursday, 21 August 2008

NEW boy Richard Keogh snubbed interest from THREE of Carlisle United’s League One rivals because his heart was set on a return to Brunton Park.

Crewe, Scunthorpe and Northampton all made a play for the defender’s services but 22-year-old Keogh opted for United, where he signed a two-year deal yesterday.

“They were attractive options and I had to look at them,” he said. “But once I weighed up every option I knew Carlisle was the right place for me to go.

“In my heart of hearts there was only one place I wanted to come and play my football. I couldn’t be happier to be here.”

Keogh played seven games whilst on loan at Carlisle from Bristol City last winter and the Eire Under-21 ace said the club – and boss John Ward – had made a lasting impression on him.

“I got a good feeling about this club and it’s nice to come back to an environment where I feel comfortable, because that’s where you play your best football” he said.

“The manager made me feel really welcome from day one and he was a big factor in me coming back. I feel he is the person who can help me improve as a player. I always got on really well with the lads and I know the whole club, from the chairman to the kit women. It was a no-brainer to come back.”

Keogh – who joined for an undisclosed fee – will be in the squad for Saturday’s trip to Leyton Orient where he is likely to replace broken nose victim Josh Gowling on the bench. Summer signing Gowling had an operation on the injury yesterday and will be out for a month.

“If I’m lucky enough to be involved on Saturday I’ll be more than ready to play a part,” Keogh added. “I just can’t wait to knuckle down and get involved.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk