Keating taking rapid rise with high-flying City in her stride

Khiara Keating believes she has been forced to grow up quickly since taking over as Manchester City's No1.

The 19-year-old keeper, who replaced Ellie Roebuck as boss Gareth Taylor's preferred choice at the start of the season, has excelled as City have emerged as Women's Super League title challengers.

Last Saturday's 2-1 victory over Everton saw her concede for the first time since January 21 — ending a run of five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.

Taylor's side are level on points with reigning WSL champs Chelsea and also progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks in no small part to Keating's fine display as they knocked out Arsenal last month.

They face the Blues on Thursday for a place in the Conti Cup final but it is in the WSL where City have caused the biggest disruption, helped by the best defensive record in the league with only nine goals conceded.

Keating, who was named the WSL Player of the Month for February, told PA: "It's gone really well. Having so many clean sheets in a row, not just in the league but in other competitions, shows how well we're doing as a unit.

"The more games you play, the more confident and used to the environment you're going to be. Still being so young, there is a bit of a switch.

"I've been with the first team since I was 16. I've had to automatically mature and be calm way faster than other people my age did."

Praise was heaped on Keating following her performance in the 1-0 cup win over Arsenal at Meadow Park, with Caitlin Foord describing her display as "a worldie".

It came after she had been at fault for both goals as City lost November's WSL meeting between the sides 2-1.

Keating added: "Having the confidence and faith in myself, especially after the Arsenal game last time, I feel like I needed a redemption game.

"I was just thankful I could make those two saves to send us through.

"When the final whistle blew, I could breathe. I feel like I did have my redemption game."