Keane replaces injured Johnson in England squad

( Reuters) - Burnley defender Michael Keane has been given his first England call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia after Glen Johnson withdrew through injury, the Football Association ( FA) said on Tuesday.

Keane, who has featured in all seven Premier League games for the promoted club this season, has made 16 appearances for England's under-21 side under caretaker manager Gareth Southgate.

"Michael Keane has been handed his first international call-up after Glen Johnson withdrew from the England squad through injury," the FA said in a statement on its website (www.thefa.com).

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling was earlier forced to withdraw with an injury and was replaced by Crystal Palace's Andros Townsend.

Keane last week said a national call-up would be the pinnacle of his career.

"Now I'm in the Premier League I think England has got to be my aim. I want to play at the top level of English football and playing for England is the pinnacle of that," the 23-year-old told Burnley's matchday magazine.

England host Malta at Wembley Stadium on Saturday before travelling to take on Slovenia three days later.

England pipped Slovakia 1-0 in their opening Group F game last month. The group also includes Scotland and Lithuania.

(Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)