Alex McLeish hopes for Robbie Keane return

Manager Alex McLeish has revealed that he hopes Aston Villa is Robbie Keane's first choice if he decides to return to the Premier League.

The striker scored three times for Villa during his recent loan spell from MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy.

"Robbie's been a breath of fresh air. He's a good leader, he's a talker, and he's a very good footballer," McLeish told reporters.

"It's been great to have him around, and hopefully, some of his influences have rubbed off on some of the younger players.

"Maybe we've forged a relationship now, and hopefully Robbie thinks of us first if he's going to do this again next season."

Villa travel to bottom side Wigan Athletic in the league on Saturday.