When England face Finland at Wembley on Tuesday night they will be up against a striker who has a tattoo of Wayne Rooney holding a fishing rod.
Topi Keskinen is a 21-year-old who has been called into Marko Kanerva’s squad for the first time after playing just two games for Aberdeen following his club-record £860,000 arrival from HJK Helsinki this summer.
Two of his favourite things growing up were former Manchester United forward Rooney and catching fish - so when he decided to get himself inked it made sense for him to combine both.
“To be honest, it is not such a wonderful tattoo because I designed it myself,” said Keskinen. “It has become a bigger deal than I thought it would, especially since I moved to Scotland.
“I have always liked the style of British football. If I get tattoos, I want them to mean something. I was a United fan as a kid and also Rooney - and I also love fishing.”
Keskinen impressed Dons bosses when he played against them in the Europa Conference League last season. He also scored 14 goals as HJK were crowned Finnish champions.
Keskinen attracted interest from both Blackburn and Middlesbrough before signing for the Scottish club - and he announced himself in perfect style by coming off the bench to score the winner against Queens Park in the Scottish League Cup.
Image:
Topi Keskinen Instagram)He then made his full debut in the 2-0 SPL victory over Kilmarnock last Saturday and has been rewarded by his first call-up into Finland’s squad after winning eight caps at Under-21 level.
Former Tottenham midfielder Teemu Tainio is part of Finland’s coaching team - and he has fond memories of Wembley.
The 44-year-old, who is also manager of Estonian club Tallinna Kalev, was in the Spurs team that beat Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup Final, the last trophy the London club lifted.
Tainio said: “A game against the Euro finalists is a great opportunity for us - and the last time I was at Wembley, I left with the cup!”
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