KEITH BARKER

'Keith Barker' (born October 21, 1986 in Accrington, England) is a professional football striker, who plays for St Patrick's Athletic. Barker joined the Irish side in July 2007 after being released by Blackburn Rovers.
Keith was born in Accrington to Caribbean parents. His father Keith senior played cricket for British Guiana and came over to Britain to be overseas professional for Great Harwood Cricket club. Keith also showed talent as a cricketer playing for Church Cricket Club in the Lancashire League as an all-rounder and for Enfield Cricket Club.
It was at this stage that Keith had to choose to between a career at Lancashire County Cricket Club, who had offered him a contract or at Blackburn Rovers. Keith choose the latter signing a three year contract with the Ewood Park club.
In the 2004-05 Academy season, Keith scored 17 goals in 27 Under 18 appearances, making him the Under 18's top scorer, as Rovers won the National Academy Play-offs. He also scored four times in seven F.A. Premier Reserve League North appearances. All in all, in 2004-05, Keith scored 23 goals at all levels.
The following season, 2005-06, was less successful, as after scoring four times in 11 FAPRLN appearances, he was loaned out to Belgian feeder club Cercle Brugge in January 2006. He never appeared for their first team and was sent back to Rovers.
On the International front, Keith made one appearance for England Under 19’s against Belgium on 9th February 2005 in a 1-1 draw.

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External link

★ Barker's profile on Blackburn Rovers' site