Roy glad to have best of both worlds

Despite appearing close to landing the Celtic job in the summer, Roy Keane insists he always felt he’d be at Martin O’Neill’s side for Ireland’s European Championship qualifying campaign.

And, before flying out with the squad to Georgia today ahead of Sunday’s big kick-off, Keane described his dual roles as Ireland and Aston Villa assistant managers as representing the best of both worlds.

Asked in Ireland’s training base in Malahide he if ever thought he wouldn’t be around the camp at this stage, Keane replied: “No, not really. I looked at every situation, whether it be the Celtic stuff or Villa, and there were one or two other opportunities too. No, I always felt I’d be here for the qualifiers and I’m glad I am. No regrets. I’m looking forward to it.”

On the subject of what he might bring from Villa Park to the Irish set-up, Keane reflected: “I don’t know. I just feel lucky that as a coach I will benefit from working at Premier League level and working with good players and a good manager at Villa.

“That’s why I made the decision when the opportunity came up — would I benefit? Hopefully whatever I’m learning at Villa [I’ll bring to Ireland], and vice versa. Hopefully I’ll learn some things with Ireland to bring to Villa. There’s nothing drastic I’ve brought to the group here. There might be little sessions. Small little stuff, nothing major.”

Is it a case of the best of both worlds for him now?

“Definitely, that’s why I took the role [at Villa]. From a selfish point of view, if I can work in the Premier League, and work with good players, and a really good club in Villa, and also work with the senior team here and still have an input in the 21s and different courses that might be going on, I think I’m very lucky.”

For another resident of Villa Park, however, the option of choosing both is not on the agenda, as Ireland and England continue to court the highly-rated Jack Grealish.

“He could have worse dilemmas to deal with, couldn’t he?” Keane observed.

“Nobody might want him. He’s very lucky, he’s a good player and has got options. Hopefully he plays for Ireland but that’s a decision he’s got to make. He’s under no pressure. He’s involved with the U21s. He’s played for Ireland already. I enjoy working with him. He’s a really good player, let’s hope he does it with Ireland.”

Can Keane use his influence at Villa Park to that end?

“Depends what mood I’m in,” he quipped. “I can threaten him.”