MICHAEL Keane has had his fair share of scraps with brother Will over the years, and the on-loan Blackburn Rovers defender is eager to face his twin for the first time in a competitive match tonight.

The brothers have come through the youth system at Manchester United together and have played in the same team many times up to under 21 level.

The duo missed the chance to play against each other in December, when Michael joined Derby on loan and Will moved to Wigan.

Their very first game was Wigan against Derby at the DW Stadium, but Michael was an unused substitute and never got the chance to pit his wits against his brother.

Michael has since moved on loan to Rovers and is expected to line up at right back again tonight.

Will has joined QPR on a temporary deal, but was not included in their 18 on Saturday and is likely to be a substitute at the very best at Ewood Park.

“I’m not sure if he’s going to play, but I hope he does,” Michael said.

“It will be a good occasion for the family, they’re all coming to watch.

“When Derby played against Wigan I was on the bench and didn’t come on. I was gutted but I went to Derby not expecting to start the first couple of games.

“It would be strange to play against him because I want him to do well, but not against us.”

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has been trying to use Michael’s family link to get an inside track on QPR.

“We’re trying to get some team news off him, but I don’t know whether it’s family loyalty or what!” Bowyer said.

“Michael tells us he’s the better footballer, so we’ll see!”

The twins have mellowed with age, but Michael said their rivalry was fierce in their younger days – both on and off the pitch.

“I’m the oldest by a minute,” Michael said. “We used to end up fighting with each other a lot on the football pitch and playing PlayStation!

“Since we’ve got older it’s calmed down, but we both want to win every game we play.

“He’s been a striker ever since I can remember.

“I started off in central midfield when I was young but then went to United and went straight into defence.

“If I’m playing right back I can’t see him playing on the wing, but they might put him there just to make it awkward for me!”