CORK NATIVE MARK Keane is set to become the latest Irish player to feature in the AFL as he will make his debut for Collingwood on Sunday.

Mark Keane in action in training for Collingwood. AAP / PA Images AAP / PA Images / PA Images

The Mitchelstown clubman has been selected for the Round 9 clash which will see Collingwood take on Fremantle.

Keane played at inter-county underage level with the Cork minor side in 2017 and then for the Rebel U20 team that reached the Munster final in 2018.

Mark: Are you working Sunday?

Mum: No

Mark: I’m making my debut on Sunday.

Mum: *Erupts with joy* pic.twitter.com/3SNSXSaOEQ

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 31, 2020

Mark Keane was a highly-rated prospect during his time in the Cork underage ranks. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO

In October 2018 it was announced that he was signed by Collingwood, along with Derry’s Anton Tohill, after being heavily linked with a move to Australia before that.

He had now made rapid progress and Sunday’s game takes place at 9.10am Irish time with live coverage on BT Sport 2. It’s been a good week of progress for Irish players in the AFL with Wexford’s Barry O’Connor upgraded to the senior list with Sydney Swans on Monday.

Tomorrow will see Mark O’Connor and Zach Tuohy in action again for Geelong against West Coast Eagles at 11.10am.

Get Keane for Sunday.

Irishman Mark Keane will make his 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 for the Pies. pic.twitter.com/EsdZgPtztt

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 31, 2020

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