Ireland manager Martin O'Neill says he is delighted that Roy Keane chose the Boys in Green over Aston Villa.

The assistant manager exited Villa today citing the difficulty of balancing both club and international duties.

While O'Neill said he was delighted that Keane would be sticking with Ireland, he also gave his perspective on the former Manchester United captain's decision.

"I think what happened was that he didn't have any summer holiday. He went straight from international duty with us in America straight to the job at Aston Villa. I think eventually those things catch up with you, either one side of Christmas or the other. I think he himself was more concerned about worrying about the commitment," said O'Neill.

He emphasised that there have been no issues with Keane's commitment to the Boys in Green cause.