Richard Keogh: ‘Me and Conor get on great... there’s not any animosity’

There is always the next match. The pain of another Championship play-off final defeat remains fresh for Richard Keogh but, such is the life of the modern professional, rarely is there time to dwell on the anguish.

He will turn 33 in August, so the likelihood of reaching the Premier League continues to diminish. International duty with the Republic of Ireland brings a renewed sense of purpose, and seeing his Aston Villa rivals as teammates has helped the healing process.