New United signing Billy Kee is settling well into life at Glanford Park following his move from Burton Albion on a two year contract.
The 23-year-old striker became the Iron’s fifth permanent signing of the signing of the summer and he can’t wait to show the Scunthorpe fans what he has to offer.He said: “It’s always great to be coming to a new club. I’ve been with the lads for two days now and I’m really enjoying my time and I’m excited to get on the pitch and play games.
“I wanted to play at a higher level, and this seems like a really strong club which was what persuaded me to come.”
The striker made his debut in Tuesday night’s defeat against Fleetwood and he believes that the squad is strong enough to go on a winning run.
He said: “I’d have loved to have got a goal Tuesday night when I came on but in the end it wasn’t our day. The team worked hard and I’m sure when the chances and games come we’ll get some results.
“I think we can get the first win of the season at any time, I think we could have won the game on Tuesday night. Once we get that first win we will push on any get some more.
“Looking at the lads in training, they’re all preparing themselves right for it. It’s just getting off the mark and once we do that I’m sure we’ll push on. It’s about being patient. There have only been three games of the season, there’s a lot more to go and we’re going to pick up points.”
The Leicestershire born striker began his career at Leicester City before a loan move to Accrington Stanley, which kick-started his Football League career. He then moved to Torquay United on a permanent deal which was followed by a move to Burton Albion in 2011, a club which he went on to make over 100 appearances for.
Kee played against the Iron twice last season for Burton Albion and he scored in the 2-2 draw at the Pirelli Stadium last September.
He says that Scunthorpe’s promotion winning team were rooted in his memory because of how much they impressed him in the two games he played against them.
He stated: “They were a very strong team. Their centre halves were brilliant, the two best I played against in the League and they just seemed to keep the ball better than the other teams.”
“I know Sam Winnall was here last season, and scored a few goals, but I’m hoping to take the reins in that regard and score a few goals myself.“
He also remembers the game at Glanford Park in March, mainly because of Paddy Madden’s winning goal in the 1-0 Scunthorpe win.
Kee said: “It was a wonder goal, it came to him on the edge of the box and he banged it into the top corner.
“I’ve seen Paddy play a few times, he works hard and I know that when Paddy gets chances he will score goals.”
As well as being welcomed by the rest of his team mates, Kee is also pleased at the reception he has received from manager Russ Wilcox.
He continued: “The gaffer’s been great. His man management is important, he talks to you and lets you know what he wants from you and that’s a big thing.
"Since I’ve been here he’s made me feel really welcome and I’m sure he’ll get a lot out of me.”
The 23 year old has already made his mark on the international stage. He has represented Northern Ireland at both under 19 and under 21 level and scored his first international hat trick in 2011 when he netted three times in Northern Ireland under 19’s 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in the qualifying group for Euro 2013.
Another bonus for Billy Kee has been the signing of a former team mate.
Luke O’Neill signed for the Iron on the same day as Kee, on a three month loan deal from Burnley, and the two players know each other well from their youth days together at Leicester City.
Kee is grateful to have a familiar face help him settle into his surroundings and says he and O’Neill get on well.
He said: “Me and Luke go way back. We’ve know each other a while because we played at Leicester together and came through the youth team at the same age group. We’re quite good friends and I’ve played with him for a few years.
“It’s a bit of relief knowing someone, so you have someone to talk to in the changing room. We know each quite well so hopefully we can win a few games together."
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