Roy Keane confirmed as Lambert's right hand man.

Villa confirmed today that former Sunderland and Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane is joining the club to assist
Paul Lambert.

Keane quit his plum pundit job at ITV Sport this summer to concentrate on coaching. He will combine his Villa role with his job as number two to Martin O'Neill for the FAI.

Keane made his name as a player under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest before going on to win multiple honours under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

His managerial career has yet to even approach the dizzy heights of his playing days, his time at the Stadium of Light was something of a rollercoaster ride - players were reported to have thrown a party when he left - while his Portman Road tenure was largely disappointing.

"I am delighted to be joining Aston Villa and I look forward to what promises to be an exciting challenge," Keane said.

"I am grateful to both Villa and the Football Association of Ireland for making this happen and I would like also to thank Martin O'Neill.

"I am relishing the prospect of linking up with Paul Lambert and combining both roles to the full advantage of both Villa and Ireland".