Academy Hotseat - Kieran McKenna

Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) Football Club is located in North London. The club is also known as Spurs. Tottenham's home ground is White Hart Lane. The club motto is Audere est Facere (To dare is to do).

Welcome to the section where we place the spotlight on and get up close and ever so slightly personal with the players that are currently attempting to make the professional breakthrough from our Academy system.

Next in the Hotseat is...

Name: Kieran McKenna

Age and Academy yeargroup: I'm 17 and I'm a member of the under-19 squad

From: Enniskillen

Position: Centre midfield

How did you come to join Spurs?
I was playing for my club side back home and my national side and was scouted by the Northern Ireland scout Gerry McKee. He sent me over for a trial when I was 14 and I was over and back after that during the holidays. I signed full-time forms last summer and it was a big move for me.

How did you get on at School?
I did quite well - I got ten GCSEs, four A-stars and six As. In my A level this summer I did business studies and got a B in that.

Favourite personal footballing moment?
I think it would have to be playing for Northern Ireland under-16s when we were playing the Republic - it is a big game whenever the north plays the south. We were winning 1-0 and in about the 70th minutes I scored probably my favourite goal of my career - smashing one on the volley from about 25 yards. That was probably the highlight.

Most memorable game for Spurs?
My reserve debut last year against Coventry in the league. I got on for the last ten minutes and did alright for my first taste of the action at that level.

Favourite player from boyhood?
I have to say Roy Keane.

Favourite current Spurs player?
Robbie Keane - he's skilful, makes things happen and he's Irish.

Favourite non-Spurs player?
Roy Keane again.

What is your immediate to short-term ambition?
I've been away with the national team for the last couple of weeks and only played one game here so, in the very short term, just to get playing some games. Then to get a good run in the Youth Cup and hopefully play some games for the reserves.

Ultimate ambition?
To play in the Premiership for Tottenham.

Are you any good with your wrong foot?
Yes - some people might argue, but I think I'm quite two-footed. I'm right-footed but my left has got a little bit about it and is not just a swinger.

What is the strongest part of your game?
I think my workrate. I like to think I cover quite a bit of ground in a game, get involved and show a good attitude on the pitch.

And the weakest?
I should now! I need to keep working on everything - there is not one thing I think is a big weakness.

FAVOURITES
Food?
Curry - a hot one with rice.

Drink?
I like my Capri Suns.

TV Programme?
Friends.

Film?
The Shawshank Redemption.