Michael Keane wants to follow in the footsteps of defensive giants Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic – but not before helping Leicester City reach the Premier League.
The 19-year-old defender is on loan from Manchester United until the end of the month and has admitted he would love to stay at the King Power Stadium until the end of the season.
Keane says there are some similarities between United and life at City, and he is backing City to be competing with his club in the near future.
"I didn't really know what to expect when I came," said Keane, who is enjoying his first taste of first-team football.
"There is not much difference in the training between here and United. It is just minor things that make a difference at this level.
"I have been impressed with the quality in this squad and the division. There is no weak link in this team. Everyone is talented.
"There are some really good midfielders and some great players going forward but, at the same time, there are some really experienced players at the back, great defenders.
"We have an all-round team who can do really well together, and I think it is only a matter of time before City are in the Premier League."
Although Keane would like to see out the current campaign at City, his ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of his heroes, Ferdinand and Vidic, and become a United regular.
"I have always admired Rio Ferdinand, he is good on the ball," said Keane.
"Vidic as well for his defensive qualities. The perfect defender would be a bit of them both.
"In the short term, my ambition is to stay here and get promotion with Leicester. In the long term, I want to go back to United next year and become a first-team regular, and win everything I can with them.
"I would love to play for the England senior team as well. I have caps at under-19 level and I really enjoying playing for England.
"This is a completely different experience for me. It is good to be around first-team players and get first-team treatment off everyone, and play in big games. That is all I want to do when I am older.
"I am getting used to that. There is always pressure playing in league games but it is something you have to get used to.
"If you want to achieve things then you have to play in big-pressure games."
