Paul Lambert believes Roy Keane’s managerial experience at Ipswich Town will serve the Irishman well in his new role as Aston Villa’s assistant boss.

Keane, who managed the Blues between 2009 and 2011 – winning 28 of his 81 games in charge – will combine assisting Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill with his new position at Villa Park.

Lambert said: “Roy brought Sunderland up out of the Championship and into the Premier League, he gained further experience at Ipswich – where we were close rivals while I was manager at Norwich – and he’s now working at international level as assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland.

“All of that experience and knowledge along with the qualities he has as a longstanding, leading professional in the game means he will bring a lot to the table. We’re delighted to have him here.

“Roy has a great knowledge of football, on the coaching side as well, and he’ll be a great asset and a big help to everybody here at Aston Villa Football Club.”

Meanwhile, Keane is relishing the prospect of returning to the Premier League.

“I am delighted to be joining Aston Villa and I look forward to what promises to be an exciting challenge,” he said.

“I am grateful to both Villa and the Football Association of Ireland for making this happen and I would like also to thank Martin O’Neill.

“I am relishing the prospect of linking up with Paul Lambert and combining both roles to the full advantage of both Villa and Ireland.”