WHEN Michael Keane was a youngster coming through at Old Trafford Rio Ferdinand was the man he would look up to.

Ferdinand was at the heart of the United and England defence and he was an idol to Keane as he fought to come through the ranks and follow in his footsteps.

Now Ferdinand is a mentor to Keane, but he's happy to remind his young protegee of the days when he was the one playing in the Premier League and for England, judging by a picture he posted on Instagram last week.

Keane revealed the snap of him wearing an England shirt with Ferdinand's name on it had been sent to Rio by his brother, but he added: "He was one of my idols growing up. Every kid's done that."

Ferdinand is 14 years Keane's senior but the younger man, who will make his 50th Premier League appearance at Anfield tomorrow (4pm) said he had always been willing to lend a helping hand at Old Trafford and he had remained a guiding influence on his career, even with the Clarets.

"I've known him since I was young and coming through at Man United so he sort of stuck around and helped me out," Keane said.

"I'm able to text him or call him when I want, and before big games he'll send me a text and give me a little bit of advice that will just stick in my head.

"He's been brilliant with me and I'm thankful for that - he's a legend and a great player, and someone I can learn a lot from."

Keane admits he was in awe of Ferdinand when the two were first in regular contact, but as he has begun to carve out his own stellar career he has become used to picking the 81-cap England international's brain.

"'ve been around him quite a while now and I feel comfortable asking him questions and talking to him," he said.

"At first I was a bit in awe of him, but you get used to it."