Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill open to Roy Keane joining Aston Villa

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has claimed that he would not have a problem with assistant boss Roy Keane combining his role with a position at Aston Villa.

The former Manchester United captain has held talks with manager Paul Lambert about a possible coaching role at Villa Park.

While O'Neill is open to sharing Keane's services, the 62-year-old is keen for the situation to be resolved.

"I don't really know if this is something that he is going to have a serious look at, but if he is then I will definitely speak to Paul Lambert and see if that kind of role can be combined," the Irish Independent quotes O'Neill as saying.

"One thing I want to establish is what sort of in-depth conversations have gone on. I have spoken to Paul Lambert. Paul has spoken to Roy about the possibility of it happening.

"Nothing definitive has happened and I don't really know what sort of commitment [the Villa job] would entail."

Keane rejected the chance to become the new manager of Celtic, who later appointed Ronny Deila.