The young goalkeeper has penned a new three-year deal to continue what has been a remarkable individual start to the 2023/24 campaign.
As well as becoming a regular between the sticks, our 19-year-old academy graduate also received her first senior England call-up in October.
It’s been a memorable journey for Keating at City, and one that she says she can’t wait to continue for the next three-and-a-half years at a place which she calls her home.
“I don’t think it was ever in question,” the goalkeeper told City Studios after putting pen to paper.
“[City has] always been home since I was 11. It’s an honour to be offered the contract extension.
“I don’t think it was ever in doubt that I was going to stay.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family, staying at this great club.
“I think I’ve got so much more to give and I’m so glad I can be here for an extra three years to contribute to the team.”
Keating also highlighted the impact that being afforded senior minutes this season has had on her progress into one of English football’s most exciting prospects.
The goalkeeper has featured in all six of City’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures so far this season, keeping three clean sheets and earning Player of the Match in a memorable clash with Chelsea.
And the key ingredient in that success has been the trust that Keating has in her team-mates, and the faith that they and the manager have reciprocated.
Asked if she’d been given any particular pieces of advice by Taylor and his team, our number 35 added: “Just to be me. I’ve got to the position I am by just being me and with my attributes.
“Everyone has faith in me, so it’s just to go out there, perform and do what I need to do.
“You only get better from being in real life situations like in games.
“Obviously, Gareth has put the faith in me to start all the league games this season. It’s just confidence, the more games I play the more I gain confidence. We’ll see what it brings.
“This team, we’ve been tighter than ever. It’s so much homier and we’re so comfortable around each other on and off the pitch.
“When you have trust in a team that’s the main thing. I feel like this season we trust each other and that’s how we’ll go far.”
