Paul Lambert: 'Roy Keane was my first port of call'

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has claimed that Roy Keane was his "first port of call" when the club was looking for a new assistant manager.

The Villa Park outfit have soared to second place in the Premier League table after three wins and a draw, including a 1-0 victory against Liverpool.

Lambert told BBC Sport: "I knew [Keane] had a lot of football knowledge that was unfairly tarnished. His knowledge meant he was too good to be a TV pundit. To get him back in the game was great. I love working with him, we have a laugh.

"When I was thinking about people to bring in, I know it probably raised a few eyebrows, 'How's that going to work?' Nobody sees the logic in it. I just knew in my gut it would work.

"He's been great around the place, with the staff and the lads. He's somebody I know I can rely on. I never had any doubts. He was the first port of call when I knew I had to get somebody in."

Aston Villa take on Arsenal this afternoon in the Premier League.