The Ireland boss says he discussed the issue with Keane during the last international get-together but denies he had any problem with the Corkonian combining the roles.
He also suggested Keane’s desire for more “family time” was one factor behind the decision.
Keane earlier announced that he would be stepping down from his position at Villa only 151 days after taking up the job, saying: “Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland, and combining my commitment to these, has become too much.”
Martin O'Neill speaks on Roy Keane's departure from the Villa assistant job
IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill has spoken on Roy Keane’s departure from the Aston Villa assistant job.
The Ireland boss says he discussed the issue with Keane during the last international get-together but denies he had any problem with the Corkonian combining the roles.
He also suggested Keane’s desire for more “family time” was one factor behind the decision.
Keane earlier announced that he would be stepping down from his position at Villa only 151 days after taking up the job, saying: “Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland, and combining my commitment to these, has become too much.”
Football Association of Ireland / Vimeo
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