logo
Scottish Premiership star earning rave reviews at the Euro under-21 champs as he bags second goal and gets POTM award

Scottish Premiership star earning rave reviews at the Euro under-21 champs as he bags second goal and gets POTM award

Scottish Sun9 hours ago

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ABERDEEN winger Topi Keskinen rounded off a remarkable season personally by scoring in Finland's final game at the Under 21 Euro Championships and being named player of the match.
Finland came from two goals down to earn a point against Denmark as they finished the competition with a flourish.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
3
Topi Keskinen in action for Finland at the U21 Euros
Credit: Getty
3
Keskinen scored in a man of the match performance against Denmark
Credit: Getty
3
Keskinen helped Aberdeen lift the Scottish Cup to end 35-year wait
Credit: Alamy
Two commendable draws against Denmark and the Netherlands and a defeat to Ukraine saw the Fins finish bottom of their group.
But Keskinen can be proud of his performances at the tournament in Slovakia after a marathon-long campaign and can now enjoy some deserved rest.
The 22-year-old struck twice in three games in the competition, with his final goal coming against the Danes and his display earning him player of the match.
The UEFA Technical Observer Group said: "Keskinen produced a very positive and confident performance.
"And was always the player who looked the most likely to create and score for his team throughout the game, his display capped with a wonderful strike for Finland's second."
It was a short free kick laid off to him, which he drilled past the goalkeeper from outside the box.
After the match, Keskinen said: "It always feels good to score goals – that is my favourite part, and winning.
"I know we got a draw and I am happy to score a goal especially in front of those Finland fans, who made this tournament an unbelievable experience.'
It brings to an end a tremendous season, which for him actually started more than a year ago.
Keskinen played several games for HJK Helsinki beginning in April 2024, before switching to Pittodrie at the start of last season in August, in a deal worth around £900,000.
Moment Aberdeen new boy Keskinen pulls on OWL MASK and flaps his arms like bird of prey
He would then go on to play 45 times for the Dons across all competitions, culminating in their historic Scottish Cup victory over Celtic at Hampden in May.
He also won the club's Young Player of the Year.
While most of Jimmy Thelin's men would have enjoyed the celebrations and time on the beach, any thoughts of switching off for Keskinen were swiftly put to one side as he prepared for the Euro championships.
And he did not take long to make an impression there, scoring in their opening match against the Netherlands to give them a shock 2-0 lead.
A disappointing defeat to Ukraine would follow in the second group game but Keskinen bounced back against Denmark.
It was his 69th and final game in what has been a long, long season but one he will never forget.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Greg Taylor spotted with Celtic FC player on boat in Spain
Greg Taylor spotted with Celtic FC player on boat in Spain

Glasgow Times

time4 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

Greg Taylor spotted with Celtic FC player on boat in Spain

The Scottish footballer, 27, was pictured in Formentera with pal and Hoops player Luke McCowan. Taylor's football future is currently unknown after his contract at Celtic ended last season. However, that didn't stop the footie ace from enjoying the sunshine with 27-year-old Luke. READ MORE: Celtic star jetted off on lavish holiday after Scottish Cup READ MORE: Celtic star left fans BAFFLED after sharing holiday snaps (Image: Instagram) In a picture on Instagram, the pair posed for a topless snap together while on a boat. In the image, the duo, both from Inverclyde, looked chuffed as they basked in the Mediterranean heat, donning trendy swim shorts. Taylor joined Glasgow's Celtic in 2019 after leaving Kilmarnock FC, where he played from 2016 until 2019. At the Hoops, the star made over 150 appearances and netted several goals for the club. Meanwhile, his pal McCowan joined Celtic several years after Taylor in 2024. The youngster has since only made over 30 appearances at the club.

Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four

TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Royal Ascot tips: 'He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Royal Ascot confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up ROYAL ASCOT - Best betting offers and new sign-up deals ZAHRANN (5.35 Ascot, nap) Zahrann is the man in the £250,000 King Edward VII Stakes. He looked like a machine when winning a Listed contest at Leopardstown last time despite being green on just his third run. He picked up strongly and powered home like a class act. Trainer Johnny Murtagh tasted lots of Ascot success as a jockey and has a potential superstar on his hands. ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40 Ascot, nb) Pulled too hard when fourth in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. He has since improved over hurdles and Ryan Moore can settle him better to land the win. SIGNORA (2.30 Ascot, treble) Can add to Aidan O'Brien's brilliant tally with his two-year-olds this week. This daughter of Frankel looked really promising when finishing third on debut in a Naas Group 3. The yard's juveniles usually come on a bundle for their first outing. Templegate's verdicts 2.30 SIGNORA can turn the tables on Green Sense from their clash at Naas last month. That Group 3 was the tip's debut and she was very green and not asked too many questions. With Royal Ascot winners on both sides of her pedigree, she's got the profile to take a big step forward second time out. Green Sense herself had previously brushed aside the colts when winning at The Curragh on debut and is in the place picture. Fitzella impressed when making all at Haydock after a close second at Ascot. She beat Tahalel – who will improve for that run – comfortably and looks a player. Venetian Sun justified favouritism at Carlisle when ridden out to score, and the form of that race stands up. With improvement expected over this extra furlong, she won't be far away. Gold Digger showed promise when winning at Yarmouth and Jamie Spencer suits her hold-up style. 3.05 BABOUCHE is on the loose in today's £725,000 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (3.05). She has looked speedy for Irish trainer Ger Lyons and was good enough to blow away Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in last year's Phoenix Stakes. Babouche warmed up with a smooth Group 3 success at Naas last time and can improve again under top rider Colin Keane who is desperate to reward his loyal gaffer with a big winner. Shadow Of Light ran a cracker when third in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed loads of boot but didn't stay the mile. This should be an ideal trip. Templegate's runner-by-runner guide to the Commonwealth Cup AIN'T NOBODY 2 BODY blow. Royal Ascot winner last year and holding form well in Group races including when fifth in the Sandy Lane last time. He goes on any ground and likes it here but he looks a Mr Nobody in this. ARABIE 1 BYE Bie. Dual French Group winner at two but not progressed. Blinkers didn't spark much at Chantilly. Has looked short of Group 1 class. ARIZONA BLAZE 3 HOT Blaze. Group 3 winner and no disgrace when sixth at Haydock last time. Looks a pure speed horse and likely to force the pace again. Won't mind this ground and has a decent draw. Needs more to win but has a place shout. BERKSHIRE WHISPER 2 SHIRE hell. Did well on the sand this winter over this trip. This is tougher on turf but he's tough and improving. Trainer's red-hot but this is much the stiffest opposition he's faced. BIG MOJO 4 BIG player. Won Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and shaped well again in the Sandy Lane last time. He always gives his running and went close at the Breeders' Cup. Has speed, gears and heart – solid each-way contender with course form in the bank. DIABLO ROJO 2 ROJO no. Neck second to Big Mojo in the Pavilion Stakes and showed decent pace there. He likes to come from just off a strong pace and should get that here. He'll be doing his best work late so will need some luck in running. Looks a bit short of this standard. IDES OF MARCH 3 BEWARE Ides. Curragh Group 3 winner last summer and twice placed in Listed company this season. Didn't quite fire when held in a Newbury Listed contest last time but was fine with this trip. He's solid and doesn't mind quick ground. Faces smarter rivals here but won't be far away from the frame. JONQUIL 4 JON the money. Beaten just a head in French 2,000 Guineas and landed the Greenham before that over seven furlongs. He's taking a fair drop back in trip here but trainer Andrew Balding reckons he has six-furlong speed. Fascinating contender making his sprinting debut. SHADOW OF LIGHT 4 LIGHT fantastic. Dewhurst and Middle Park winner last year. Lost unbeaten record when third in the 2,000 Guineas but travelled powerfully and was just outstayed. The effort screamed six furlongs and Charlie Appleby has wasted no time. Very classy and a major threat despite yard's dire recent Royal record. SOLDIER'S HEART 2 HEART not in it. Ripon Listed winner last year and fifth at Chantilly on return after long break. Clearly needed it and will strip fitter now. Capable at this level, but will need his very best form. STRONG WARRIOR 2 WARR needs more. Unbeaten in first two and just edged out on handicap debut at Windsor. Lightly raced with a big engine he is clearly talented — but this is a huge step up in class. WHISTLEJACKET 4 JACK in the box. Top juvenile last year and Group 1 winner in France over this trip. Been beaten by Babouche twice but still ran with credit. Clearly has Group 1 class and acts on all ground. Middle draw looks good and Ryan Moore in the saddle. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. Duchess Of Cambridge winner and close second in the Sandy Lane at Haydock last time. Proven over six furlongs, handles all going and thrives in big fields. Tactically versatile so worth a place shout at long odds. BABOUCHE 5 LAND a touche. Phoenix Stakes winner last season and looked right back to best when thrashing Whistlejacket in the Lacken. Quickens up smartly and stays well. Peaking at the right time and is a major player from what should be an ideal draw. CARLA RIDGE 2 HIGH Ridge. Maiden winner at Naas and placed behind Babouche in Group 3 at Naas last time. Probably needs 7f and likely to find this test too sharp at this stage. Still learning but big task in this company. LADY WITH THE LAMP 3 LAMP lit. Improving filly with Listed wins on turf and AW this season. Got up late to win at Chelmsford latest and finishes strongly. Yet to prove she's Group 1 class but arrives in form and trainer going well — outside each-way squeak. LEOVANNI 3 VAN can motor. Won Queen Mary last year and finished full of running after traffic problems in fourth on return at Haydock. Might be peaking again just in time. Strong traveller and each-way shout if things open up. RAYEVKA 3 RAY of light. French Listed winner last time, quickened smartly and pulled clear late over this trip. One of the least exposed in the field and could be dangerous if she gets cover and delivers late which won't be easy. SAYIDAH DARIYAN 2 SAY no. Consistent filly who's been steadily climbing the ranks. with a Listed third last time. She lacks star quality but never runs a bad race. Likely to find a few of these too good. SHISOSPICY 2 TOO Spicy. American raider who landed a hat-trick on quick ground at Churchill Downs. An unknown quantity and not ruled out for a place — although US horses often fail to stay this far. SKY MAJESTY 2 SKY fall. Group 2 winner in France last season in the mud but only third on return at Chelmsford behind Sayidah Dariyan. Must bounce back sharply to get seriously involved here but this is just her fifth run. TIME FOR SANDALS 3 SANDALS has boot. Narrowly beaten in a French Group 3 last time and improving with every run. Has speed, class and trainer Harry Eustace is in excellent form. Low draw not ideal but one of many in the field who could place at long odds. 3.40 ETHICAL DIAMOND was a close fourth in this race last year off just 2lb lower when pulling too hard. He's since finished a strong fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and wears a hood for the first time on the Flat. If that helps Ryan Moore to settle him, he clearly has the engine for a race like this. The biggest threat may come from Stressfree, who was narrowly denied by Almosh'her at York before swooping late to win a good race at Haydock. He's had a nudge up the weights but his 1m4f form is stacking up nicely. Almosh'her himself has done little wrong, winning three of four starts. Now with Wathnan Racing, he's drawn wide and has tended to race freely, which could test his progress under pressure. French Duke is another key player. He was progressing well last season, winning at Goodwood and finishing second here in October. He remains unexposed. Auld Toon Loon is flying for his new yard and was just denied at Chester last time. He stays 1m4f and is still on the upgrade. 4.20 FALAKEYAH can repay the faith of her connections who forked out £46,000 to supplement her for this race. She caught the eye on her sole juvenile start on the sand but really came to the fore when making all in Listed company at Newmarket last time. She raced keenly over 1m2f there but simply wasn't for catching and the drop back in trip here could suit. She skipped both the English and French Oaks with this challenge in mind. Zarigana is the obvious threat. A granddaughter of the mighty Zarkava, she was awarded the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards after interference and went down narrowly in the Boussac last year. She's won four of her last five and her upward curve may not have peaked yet. Coronation Stakes trends You should stay north of 108 in the official ratings when trying to pick the winner. That's bad news for Cathedral, Cercene, Falakeyah, January and Kon Tiki. Stick with horses with no more than one defeat this season. Duty First, Exactly, Flight and Simmering come up short on that score. Chantilly Lace was fifth last time which is far from ideal which leaves just one horse standing – ZARIGANA. Exactly, third in that same French Guineas, brings toughness and consistency. She's never run a bad race and could easily be in the mix again for Ballydoyle. Although she's not the choice of Ryan Moore who is on January. She was second in the Fillies' Mile last season and looked rusty in the Irish Guineas on comeback. She should leave that form behind here. Kon Tiki is unexposed and unbeaten in three, with a Listed win at York the latest step forward. William Buick gets the leg up for the first time for Jane Chapple-Hyam who doesn't chase rainbows. Chantilly Lace wasn't disgraced when fifth in the 1,000 Guineas and is open to more. Cercene has shown consistency without winning, while Duty First looks better over 7f and may struggle to stay. Cathedral has plenty to prove after a tame reappearance and, like Simmering, looks well short of this standard. 5.00 SILVER GHOST can spook the bookies for trainer Emma Lavelle. She bolted up in seven-furlong handicaps on good ground at Newmarket and Goodwood, travelling strongly and looking classy. The handicapper reacted with an 8lb hike but that may not be enough to put the brakes on. The step up to a mile looks ideal for this fast-improving type. The King has an each-way chance with Purple Rainbow who needed the run on comeback here in April and Warren Fentiman is good value for his 5lb claim. Miss Nightfall met trouble in running when second to the tip at Goodwood and also shapes as if this stiff mile will suit. Sea Poetry looks potentially overpriced given her HQ win last season reads well and she hasn't been disgraced behind good sorts this term. Sandringham Stakes trends Stick with horses that finished in the first three last time. Tabiti, Serving With Style, Mojave River, Sweet Chariot, Amangani, Nancy J, Trad Jazz, Cartwheel, Purple Rainbow and Bassadanza. Oolong Poobong, Saariselka, Dash Of Azure, Cajole, Sea Poetry, Annsar, Dancing Teapot, Alfareqa, Ryke, Arabian Leopard and Eazy On The Eye are too low in the official ratings. Bountiful has been off for too long and can be crossed out. A win this season is a plus so Betty Clover, Serving With Style, Miss Nightfall and Never Let Go can go. That leaves Silver Ghost, Supermodel and Zgharta. SUPERMODEL looks good for William Haggas who has a strong record in handicaps like this. The other two are backable at each-way prices and are well drawn so have every chance of making the frame. Tabiti could outclass these if handling a big-field handicap. She won a Group 3 before finishing midfield in the Fillies' Mile and returns in first-time blinkers on handicap debut. Irish raider Dancing Teapot looks the type to improve plenty now handicapping in cheekpieces. Never Let Go was unlucky not to win a Listed race last time – this stiff mile might be right up her alley. Dash Of Azure was impressive at Kempton on comeback and won't be far away for Ralph Beckett. 5.35 ZAHRANN is a colt who still doesn't know how good he is. He missed the kick and was green as grass in a Leopardstown Listed race last time yet still burned past all of them to win going away. That was just his third run and the way he did it – powering clear despite inexperience – screamed Group 1 potential. If he grows up a bit, they might not see which way he went. The unbeaten Amiloc is the obvious danger. He comes here with a perfect record after four wins including at Listed level. He stayed on strongly at Goodwood and will be even more dangerous if settling better. Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team up with Puppet Master who's improving with every run. He won the Lingfield Derby Trial last time after shaping well in the Ballysax. He's a threat. Don't rule out Convergent, who finished third in the Chester Vase. He was behind Lambourn and Lazy Griff – the Derby first and second. That's rock-solid form and he's still learning his craft. Wimbledon Hawkeye has turned up for every dance. He was second in the Craven, fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante. He's gritty, reliable and should stay the trip with cheekpieces added. He has every chance of making the frame. Nightwalker bombed at Epsom but that wasn't his track – and it showed. He finished well in the Dante and now gets blinkers on a proper galloping course. That should bring improvement. Galveston cost 'The Lads' at Ballydoyle a cool £2m and showed more when winning at Naas last month. This longer trip should suit him. It's early days for Opportunity who was behind Amiloc at Goodwood after being hampered. He could close the eight-length gap between them today. 6.10 REALIGN can strike on handicap debut from what looks a lenient opening mark of 93. William Haggas' colt oozed class at Salisbury last month, hammering his rivals on comeback. That was over six furlongs but he's got more than enough pace for this drop to the minimum. Stormy Impact looks dangerous after rattling home to win the Epsom 3YO Dash in some style. She's up 5lb but has a blistering turn of foot and this stiffer track might suit even better. Ruby's Profit was a good third in that race when forcing the pace and is back from the same handicap mark with a chance. He was beaten by Redorange at Chester last month who made the most of a good draw. He's 9lb higher now so will have to pull out more. Hammer The Hammer made it three wins on the spin at Chester with lots left in the locker. He's another who has been racing over further but he likes to blast off from the front so this stiff five furlongs should be fine. Jorge Alvares warrants respect after a decent effort at The Curragh 16 days ago. He looks fairly handicapped for Ger Lyons. Maw Lam drops down from Listed and Group company with a 7lb claimer on board to make his mark workable. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Ruben Amorim to banish Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho from Man Utd's US tour – if he hasn't sold outcasts already
Ruben Amorim to banish Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho from Man Utd's US tour – if he hasn't sold outcasts already

Scottish Sun

time7 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Ruben Amorim to banish Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho from Man Utd's US tour – if he hasn't sold outcasts already

GET RID DEVILS Ruben Amorim to banish Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho from Man Utd's US tour – if he hasn't sold outcasts already Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUBEN AMORIM is set to axe Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho from Manchester United's pre-season tour of the USA. The Portuguese boss is determined to take a hardline stance with the four outcasts whose days at Old Trafford are numbered. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Marcus Rashford could soon be sold, as Newcastle hover Credit: Getty 5 Winger Alejandro Garnacho appears certain to move on Credit: Getty 5 Antony flopped for Man Utd but shone on loan for Real Betis Credit: PA And if the out-of-favour quartet have not found a new club by the time the squad jet off for the States in July they will be left behind to train alone at Carrington. A club source said: 'Amorim is stamping his authority on the club. It was hard arriving mid-season but he now has the opportunity to shape the team in his image. And he's wasting no time. 'He only wants players who would die for the shirt and are on board with his ideas. 'He also wants a smaller squad to create an intimate team bond so that everyone gets enough game time to be at peak fitness when called upon. He doesn't want any bad apples or distractions.' READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GAME STOPPED Club World Cup clash suspended as fans and commentators told to 'get inside' Amorim is under huge pressure to deliver after a disastrous campaign which saw United finish 15th - their worst since they were relegated in the 1973-74 season. The Red Devils also lost the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham. Amorim's rebuilding work has already begun with the £62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves while United are also chasing Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo. The former Sporting coach has been assured there is cash available to strengthen the side in the coming weeks before facing Arsenal at home in the Prem season opener on August 17 and he had hoped to be reunited with striker Viktor Gyokeres. 5 Jadon Sancho is another wideman unwanted at Old Trafford Credit: Getty BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK His transfer kitty could also be bolstered with the sale of Garnacho, Rashford, Antony and Sancho. The attacking players will almost certainly be missing when the Red Devils fly Stateside for a three-match tour. Gyokeres trying to force Arsenal move | Newcastle eye Rashford deal | Transfers Exposed United kick-off in New Jersey against West Ham on July 26 ahead of a trip to Chicago to face Bournemouth four days later before finishing up against Everton in Atlanta on August 3. Garnacho, 20, is already the subject of a £45million move to Napoli but United want £70m for the Argentina international. The Serie A champions have also expressed an interest in Sancho, whose future is in limbo after Chelsea declined to sign the on-loan winger for £25m and opted to pay a £5m penalty to send him back to Old Trafford. Prem rivals Newcastle are said to be eyeing Rashford after Aston Villa did not follow up on his loan spell while Antony had a temporary spell in the second half of last season at Real Betis in Spain.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store