Aston Villa happy to wait for decision from Roy Keane

The claret and blues are relaxed about the situation to make Keane Paul Lambert's No.2.

The squad return for pre-season training on July 7 and head to Texas for a two-game tour against FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo later next month.

There is no immediate timeframe for the former Manchester United midfielder's potential arrival after he was approached to become Lambert's assistant.

Keane pulled out of ITV's World Cup coverage this month as he looks to focus on his coaching career, a move which has been taken as a statement of intent over the Villa role.

Ireland returned from America, where they lost 5-1 to Portugal and drew 1-1 with Costa Rica with boss Martin O'Neill keen to keep Keane as his right-hand man. It is believed Keane, who turned down the Celtic manager's job, would be able to continue with his country if he joined Villa but O'Neill does not want the situation dragging on.

He said: "I don't mind it going on for a week or two. Celtic wanted something in place as they have games coming up quite soon. And I assume Aston Villa will want to get something in place by pre-season. I don't want it to be continued right through until August."

Lambert and Keane, although having never worked or played together, have built up a strong relationship having become friends through football circles.

Lambert is looking for a new assistant following the dismissal of Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary Karsa after the pair were sacked for an undisclosed disciplinary issue in May.