Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has praised assistant manager Roy Keane's contributions to the club, claiming that the Irish legend and manager Paul Lambert "have worked unbelievably well together".

The Villa Park outfit have soared to second place in the Premier League table after three wins and a draw, including a 1-0 victory against Liverpool.

Hutton told BBC Sport: "Just look at Roy Keane's career in general. He's been there and done it. To have someone like that in your corner is unbelievable. He and Paul Lambert have worked unbelievably well together.

"Look at our performances, the ways we've gone about our games. It's clicked and there is no reason it can't continue. You want to perform for yourself but you know if you aren't [Keane]'s going to be there to give you the shot you need.

For me that's a good thing to spur you on, to get you back to where he thinks you should be. He's done brilliantly for everyone."

Aston Villa take on Arsenal this afternoon.