Paul McGrath has admitted that he is happy with Roy Keane for quitting his role at Aston Villa to focus on his Republic of Ireland commitments.

Keane was number two to both Villa boss Paul Lambert and Ireland manager Martin O'Neill before leaving his post with the Premier League club on Friday.

O'Neill has since praised the 43-year-old for the decision, and McGrath is also delighted to see his former international teammate focus on the Boys in Green.

"With the two jobs, there was no rest for him," McGrath, who spent seven years as a Villa player, told the Daily Mail. "He was trying to make sure Ireland get to the Euros and then going back to Villa and doing his best for them.

"Ireland is a big job because you have to go around looking at players and seeing who is available, even under the grandparent rule. He has to go and watch players.

"To add on the Villa job was a big ask. It seems now that it was too much for Roy. He's realised he can't do both. I'm glad he's stuck with Ireland."

Lambert's side sit 16th in the Premier League table.