Tony Cascarino: Roy Keane's Aston Villa stay will be short

The former claret and blues striker believes Keane is looking for a return to management.

Ireland assistant Keane has spoken to long-time friend and Villa boss Paul Lambert about joining his backroom team.

And yesterday he pulled out of his role as World Cup pundit for ITV, which is seen as a sign of his intent to pursue the job.

Keane also opted out of the running for the Celtic hot-seat this week but former Villan Cascarino, who played with Keane for Ireland, believes he will be a manager again.

He said: "I – and many other people who have worked alongside Roy – would tell you that you do initially see him as a No.1, he is a very strong character, very determined. But I think it's a great move for him.

"Roy will be a manager again, I don't see him staying a No. 2 over the long course. I think he is building himself and his career again to be a No. 1." Keane joined the Ireland squad as they flew to America today for friendlies against Costa Rica and Portugal.

Nothing will be settled until his return but there have been positive initial talks between Lambert and ex-Manchester United star Keane.

The pair faced each other as players when United were beaten by Lambert's Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final in 1997 and have a long-standing relationship.

They were also in charge of rivals Norwich and Ipswich at the same time before Keane was sacked by Town in 2011, his last job in management.

He linked up with Martin O'Neill as his No.2 in November last year and, should he join Villa, will combine both roles.

The 42-year-old, who retired from playing in 2006 after a stint with Celtic, is believed to be reluctant to leave the national set up. He was infamously sent home in 2002 after a row with Mick McCarthy on the eve of the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Meanwhile, John Terry was today linked with the ITV World Cup punditry team as Keane's replacement.