Aston Villa have denied rumours that Roy Keane left the club because of a training ground bust up.

The Ireland assistant left his role as Villa assistant this morning with rumours abounding as to the cause.

Keane himself said he was finding it difficult to balance the Ireland and Villa roles.

But Aston Villa have come out strongly against suggestions that a disagreement with a senior player led to his departure.

Sky Sports News reporter Pete Colley relayed the club's views: "The rumours that came out straight away were that there had been a bust-up in training yesterday with a senior player.

"The club totally refutes that suggestion, but these rumours emanated within about half an hour of this statement coming out so you read into that what you will."

Striker Darren Bent had claimed that Keane had been nothing but a positive influence on the players during his time at Villa Park.