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However, Taylor says that the 25-year-old still has a part to play in the rest of the season: "Keatsey is a smashing pro and a smashing person in general. He's Hull City through and through and no one can question that.
"It was really difficult leaving him out the other night but making decisions like that is a big part of being a manager.
"He was disappointed not to be in the side, especially after what happened against Kidderminster. It's tough on him and I'm sure Keatsey probably wouldn't understand the reasons why I left him out.
"He's not happy but that's the reaction I'd expect from anyone in that situation. However, you can only pick 11 players and I picked what I thought was the best team to win the game."
Keates could be recalled when City look to take something home from Northampton on Saturday. If Taylor opts for a more defensive line-up then Keates could pair up with Ian Ashbee in the centre of midfield, with Stuart Green either dropped or playing out wide with Stuart Elliott or Jason Price dropping out. Keates could even play Ashbee's role as he did on Saturday to give the Tigers skipper a rest.
Taylor said: "We have changed things before and the Cambridge game springs to mind," and added: "Whether or not Keatsey starts, though, he knows he's a very important player and he is part of my plans."