McLeish: Keane welcome to stay

Alex McLeish wants Robbie Keane to join Aston Villa on a full-time basis after he netted twice in a 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Keane is on loan at Villa from LA Galaxy, and will be expected to rejoin the Major League Soccer outfit on February 25.

He scored two goals, including the winner, in Saturday’s match at Molineux, and McLeish would be more than happy for the 31-year-old to make a permanent switch to Villa Park.

“If he feels he wants to come back to the Premier League, I’m sure there would be some welcoming arms,” McLeish said.

“I would like to think we’d be interested. We brought him in. He’s paid his dues with that magnificent performance today.”

“It was two great strikes. Robbie has done that throughout his career and it was no surprise to see him getting on the scoresheet.”

Villa had led in the match through Darren Bent’s 11th-minute penalty, but goals from Michael Kightly and David Edwards saw Wolves go 2-1 up by the half-time break.

Prior to Keane’s intervention, McLeish was concerned his team were heading for what would have been a damaging loss away to their local rivals.

“I thought the night was going to be ruined but we knew there was still 45 minutes to go,” he said.

“That was the key, getting them in at half-time and trying to regroup and showing the character and spirit.”

The home side lost Karl Henry to a red card in the 74th minute after the midfielder lashed out with a boot at Marc Albrighton.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said Henry deserved to be sent off, but felt his former captain was provoked by the Villa man.

“It is a sending-off,” he said.

“It was a foul on Karl from Albrighton and then he is holding onto Karl’s leg and the ref doesn’t blow.”

“He’s got hold of his leg and Karl back-heels him. Albrighton does roll about as if he has been hit by a steamroller but it is a sending-off.”

“For all of that, I’m not excusing him at all because he has back-heeled him.”