Keegan keen to keep youngsters

Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan is keen to tie two more of his young stars to extended Eastlands contracts.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joey Barton and Willo Flood have all agreed new deals this season.

And next in line for the former England coach are full-back Stephen Jordan and Wright-Phillips' brother Bradley.

"It gets tougher and tougher holding onto young players today and I want them both to stay with us," Keegan told the club website.

Keegan is looking to safeguard City's future beyond the end of his own contract, which expires in 18 months' time.

While 19-year-old Wright-Phillips has been restricted to a single substitute appearance so far, Jordan, 22, made his fourth successive start in last weekend's win at Portsmouth.

Jordan has stepped into the breach left by Ben Thatcher who has been ruled out for three months following ankle surgery.

"You have to give Stephen credit because he has waited a long time for his chance," added Keegan.