Keane quits Villa role

Aston Villa have revealed Roy Keane has stepped down as assistant manager of the Premier League club with immediate effect.

The former Sunderland and Ipswich Town boss was appointed as Paul Lambert’s number two at Villa Park in July, but has resigned after just five months in the role.

Keane revealed that he was finding it difficult to combine his role at Villa with his position as Republic of Ireland assistant manager.

He said: “Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much,

“It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision.

“I’d like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I’ve really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the Club nothing but the best going forward.”

Villa boss Lambert understood Keane’s reasons for leaving the Premier League strugglers and will consider who to bring in as a replacement for the former Manchester United captain.

The Scot said: “Roy came to me this morning [Friday] and he informed me that, ultimately, the difficulty of combining both roles has prompted his decision, which I respect totally.

“In the brief period we have worked together he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving.”

Villa travel Burnley on Saturday looking to end a run of eight games without a win.