Aston Villa confirm Roy Keane as new assistant manager

The 42-year-old former Sunderland and Ipswich boss has signed a deal which will allow him to also continue in his current role as Republic of Ireland assistant manager.

Keane, who made more than 300 appearances for Manchester United in an illustrious playing career, replaces Paul Lambert's former deputies Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa who were sacked at the end of last season.

Lambert will be hoping the fiery Corkman will provide fresh inspiration to a Villa side which has struggled against relegation in recent seasons.

"I am delighted to be joining Aston Villa and I look forward to what promises to be an exciting challenge," Keane said.

"I am grateful to both Villa and the Football Association of Ireland for making this happen and I would like also 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".

The Villa manager has no doubt that Keane's input will be a huge asset during the upcoming campaign having got to know him well over a number of years.

"Roy has a great knowledge of football, on the coaching side as well, and he'll be a great asset and a big help to everybody here at Aston Villa Football Club," Lambert said.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him and I'm delighted that he's here.

"As a player, he was one of the most accomplished in the history of the Barclays Premier League and he's brought that experience gained over many years into his career in coaching and management. The players will love working with him."