MICHAEL Keane admits a place in England’s 23-man squad for next summer’s World Cup is now ‘in the back of his mind’.

But the Clarets defender knows he has work to do to secure his place on the plane to Russia. Having forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans through his performances at Turf Moor this season, the 24-year-old now needs to stay there.

Keane missed Burnley’s final three games of the Premier League season with a slight calf problem, but he’s hoping to be fit enough to be included in the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park against Scotland and friendly against France in Paris when the squad is named tomorrow.

Keane made his Three Lions debut during the March international break and completed two full games that week, in a friendly in Germany and a Wembley World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, and he’s hoping to keep his place for the June double header.

“I’ve got my foot in the door now so I’m keen to stay in the frame for that,” he said.

“It’s two massive games with Scotland and then the friendly in France so it will be two great games.

“Hopefully I can get fit and stay fit and be involved in that. It was massive for me playing those two games a couple of months ago so I want to kick on and get more of it.

“You don’t want to give any excuses or anyone a reason to drop you or not pick you for the squad. I’m desperate to go away and to get fit to make sure I’m in a good place to play there.

“We’ll have to see what happens but I’m hopeful.”

England’s game at Hampden Park is the first time the Three Lions have played a competitive game in Scotland since November 1999.

Southgate’s side won 3-0 at Wembley in the reverse fixture in November and will look to complete the double over the Tartan Army and maintain their lead at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group F.

Keane added: “I’m sure it will be a great atmosphere, it’s a massive game and a bit of a rivalry and one that I know all the lads are looking forward too.

“Hopefully we can go up there, play well and get a win.”

England are at the halfway point of their qualifying campaign and are looking good to book their spot in Russia for next year’s World Cup.

And Keane is determined to be a part of that squad and to play his part in the tournament.

“It’s in the back of my mind now I’ve got in the fold. Next summer is going to be huge for the whole country,” he said.

“If I kick on again next year, have a good season then hopefully I will do enough to get in the squad.

“It’s going to be my aim to go there and play. I don’t want to go and just be part of it I want to go and play and help the team do well.”