The Republic of Ireland defender was in the news over recent weeks for all the wrong reasons, after he failed to turn up at a City training session. He was subsequently dropped for last weekends game against Coventry, and warned by Keegan that his disciplinary problems could end his career at Maine Road.
However, the 22-year old answered his managers criticisms in the best possible way when he returned to action against Walsall, producing an excellent performance and setting up City's opening goal.
"Richard was very good," said Keegan. "He's got tremendous talent. I don't know what has happened to him in the past but certainly in the future he can achieve more than he has already.
"He is only 22. I know when you look at him you think he is a lot older but he is still a kid. Because he is built like a man, people think he is a man but he is still learning. I am a big fan of his and that is why what happened a couple of weeks ago disappointed me so much.
"That has gone. He has answered any criticism the only way footballers can and that is out on the pitch. I take my hat off to him."