Keane’s Villa role no problem, reiterates boss O’Neill

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has reiterated he has no problem with Roy Keane taking up his new role as assistant manager with Aston Villa.

Speaking immediately after the draw for the FAI Cup third round was held in the Park Hotel, Mullingar yesterday, O’Neill said: “The main thing is Roy is there when the players are there and that is the main part of the job.

“Paul Lambert made it clear he would give Roy the time off and it wouldn’t interfere with anything he would be doing with us. Did I feel that was awkward? No, I don’t. When I think about the days I actually see Roy, we keep in touch with each other and occasionally we meet up with each other just for updates. But, overall, the job he was doing for me and the time he is here will remain the same, so I have no problem with that. The FAI and Aston Villa have agreed on all those things so I don’t see a problem.”