Teenager John Keegan maybe back down the pecking order at City following the return to action of more senior colleagues but is still pinching himself at living every schoolboy's dream.

GOING UP IN THE WORLD: Youngster John Keegan (left) in first team action

The Liverpool-born 18-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence at Bootham Crescent, making his first team debut just a week before Christmas.

Yet this time last year, the youngster was not even guaranteed a place in the Minstermen's youth team and admits his rise up the rankings had come much sooner than expected.

"It's has been quite a big step up from the youth team and the reserves to be honest," said Keegan.

"I've found first team football really tiring but it's been an absolute class experience."

His appearances in the intermediates were limited last season as City's young guns, featuring the likes of Christian Fox, Lee Bullock and James Turley, reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

"There were ten second years then so they got priority and I wasn't playing all that often," explained Keegan, currently in the second year of a three-year scholarship.

"This year I've played quite a few for the youth team and played just about every game for the reserves but it has still come a lot quicker than I anticipated."

That Keegan is highly thought of at Bootham Crescent was evident in September last year when he earned a place on the bench in the 1-1 draw at rivals Hull City.

Injuries to Wayne Hall and manager Neil Thompson left City with a dearth of left-sided players and ensured Keegan eventually made his Football League debut on December 17, producing a solid debut in the 2-2 home draw with Southend.

He also played in the 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool and came off the bench midway through the first half against Cheltenham.

For last week's 1-0 home defeat against Mansfield Keegan was in the squad but did not make it on to the bench as player-manager Neil Thompson deemed himself fit enough to play.

Despite his first appearances now stalled for the time being, Keegan said he was still delighted with how his burgeoning career was blossoming.

"I have enjoyed it more than anything. It is something I have been working towards for years," he said of his first team appearances.

"I have been at the club for two years now and when you start out a place in the first team is what you aim for."

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