Former Manchester United star Roy Keane relishing dual role with Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland

<Roy Keane has revealed his delight at <joining Aston Villa as the new assistant to manager to Paul Lambert and has thanked the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for allowing him the opportunity to combine his role within the national team with his new duties in the Premier League.

Keane signed a deal to be officially unveiled as the new assistant at Villa Park on Tuesday after turning down the managerial position at Celtic earlier in the summer, with Ronny Delia eventually being named as the successor to Neil Lennon at Celtic Park.

Villa have been looking for a new assistant since sacking Ian Culverhouse following disciplinary action being taken and Lambert has moved to secure Keane, getting him back into club football for the first time since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011.

Keane has confirmed that he will be continuing in his role as assistant to Martin O’Neill with the Republic of Ireland and issued his gratitude to all involved that he has been given the opportunity to work in the Premier League once again.

Keane told Aston Villa’s official website, “I am delighted to be joining Aston Villa and I look forward to what promises to be an exciting challenge.

“I am grateful to both Villa and the Football Association of Ireland for making this happen, and I would also like to thank Martin O’Neill.

“I am relishing the prospect of linking up with Paul Lambert and combining both roles to the full advantage of both Villa and Ireland.”