Roy Keane cannot ‘promise miracles’ at Aston Villa

New Aston Villa assistant manager Roy Keane cannot "promise miracles" in his new role under Paul Lambert but hopes to have a positive impact on performances and results.

The Corkman, who will also continue as number two to Martin O'Neill with the Republic of Ireland, has been keen to make a return to the day-to-day workings of football since being sacked as Ipswich manager in January 2011.

Keane, having also been in charge at Sunderland, insists he has no problems being an assistant.

"From my experience so far alongside Martin I am a bit more hands-on with the players, which I have enjoyed," he said.

“It is a different role with Villa but I can adapt and I think my experience as a manager will help because it is tough being a manager.

“Hopefully I will make Paul’s job easier. Hopefully I am someone Paul can trust; (I can) talk to the players and staff.

“I have some good experience from my playing days – some bad ones as well.

“I’ll keep my job description pretty simple. I’m here to help the team and get results.

“I have some good experiences as a player and a manager and obviously he (Lambert) thinks I can bring something to the party.

“I am not promising miracles but hopefully an improvement.”

Keane was linked with the Celtic job earlier this summer when Neil Lennon left Parkhead but it was the opportunity Villa offered – allowing him to remain in a position with the national team – which helped convince him to move back into the Premier League.

“I have thought about it. I’ve had three years off, I should be ready,” he added.

“It was the whole package: that I know Paul, Villa is a top club, that I could continue working with the Irish team.

“You weigh all these things up and I kept coming up with the same conclusion.

“They (Villa) have had a difficult two or three years but that is part of the challenge.

“I am aware the club is for sale but that did not put me off.

“I have a chance to work with Paul at Villa: from a selfish point of view I think it would help me working with players in the Premier League.

“I am fortunate to be still working with the Irish team, I don’t think it will be a problem working in the two roles.”

Lambert also believes there will be no issues working with Keane as both know who is in charge.

“There is no secret, it is someone I get on with and have known for a long time,” said the Villa boss.

“I wouldn’t bring in Roy for the sake of his name, I think he can bring something to the table and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He is a top guy, a real football person with great football knowledge.

“He had a successful time with Sunderland so there will be no problem whatsoever.

“He will help me and is someone I will lean on as I will be able to trust him 100 per cent but you have to be strong yourself.

“We’ve known each other for a while and have huge respect for each other but the manager of any club has the final word.”