Crossword Genius

A would-be specialist in clean sheets? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

keeper

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'specialist in clean sheets?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'a would-be' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' could be 'per' (eg 'one a day' means 'one per day') and 'per' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'kee' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for keeper that I've seen before include "Zoo or park manager" , "Animal custodian; plain ring" , "Reluctant" , "One looks after something, museum or game perhaps" , "slips on my right hand usually" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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