Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has hit out at reports claiming Roy Keane left the club due to a spat with several of the club's players.

Keane left his role as assistant manager last month due to his growing commitments with the Republic of Ireland in his position as number two to Martin O'Neill.

However, claims in the media have speculated that Keane's exit was because he had fallen out with senior players, which Lambert has insisted is "nonsense".

He told reporters: "I find it bizarre. They guy was great for me and great for everyone at the football club. So for me this is all absolute nonsense what has been written about him, absolute nonsense.

"There wasn't even any bad words on anything and that is the disappointing thing. To use the word 'poisonous' as a headline is shocking. You can ask any member of staff what they thought of him.

"He has got a lot of commitments following the Irish national team so I have got nothing but thanks to Roy for coming in. The guy is run off his feet with Irish commitments. I respected that. There were no issues whatsoever and I have already gone on record to say that."

Villa are 12th in the Premier League following their defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.