ROY KEANE HAS left his role as assistant manager of Aston Villa with immediate effect, he announced in a statement released by the club earlier.

The 43-year-old Corkman is also, of course, currently employed as the assistant to Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and he explained that juggling the two roles was proving too difficult.

“Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much,” said Keane.

“It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision. I’d like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club.

“I’ve really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the club nothing but the best going forward.”

Villa are currently two points above the Premier League’s relegation zone and visit Burnley on Saturday while Ireland will not have a competitive game until next spring.

So was Keane right to make the decision?

Roy Keane steps down as assistant at Aston Villa to focus on Ireland

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