Roy Keane offers encouragement as Ashley Young linked with Aston Villa return

Roy Keane was today set to offer Villa's players words of encouragement as they returned to pre-season training.

The claret and blue's players were poised to meet Keane, the club's new assistant manager, for the first time at Bodymoor Heath.

Keane has built a reputation throughout his career for being a tough taskmaster and has fallen out with players in the past. But the former Sunderland and Ipswich chief insists he does have a softer side and is prepared to show it.

"There have been one or two instances highlighted, particularly my time at Ipswich I suppose. Jon Walters obviously. But that's about management, learning, experiences.

"If you think I come into work – and I've been a professional footballer for 20-odd years – ranting and raving every day or even every week I wouldn't last two minutes.

While Keane prepares to start work, former winger Ashley Young has been linked with a shock return to Villa Park.

The 28-year-old looks likely to leave Old Trafford this summer having struggled to make an impact.