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Everybody wants to know about Roy Keane.

How is the Premier League legend transforming training? What is the midfield maestro doing to make Aston Villa more competitive? Is he as intense and stern as his reputation suggests?

When Keane gets out of the dugout on matchdays supporters sing his name.

A new player signs for Villa and he’s asked how much of an influence Keane is likely to be.

Keane this, Keane that.

Sometimes the fact that Paul Lambert – the man in charge at Villa – has won a European Cup and also had a very successful career in the same position is often overlooked.

Inevitably it was always going to be that way. Deep down Lambert must have known that, too. After all, Keane was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Importantly, his assistance as No.2 is working.

Here’s what those at Villa are saying about the former Manchester United great.

THE PLAYERS

Brad Guzan: “He’s a big name, he’s someone that as a player and coach he has proven himself.

“He wants to win, and he brings a winning mentality – whether that’s in small-sided games or whatever, he brings that fiery atmosphere of trying to do whatever we can to get results and see out games and make sure that we walk off the pitch with our heads held high.

“When that comes from the management down to the players it creates a really good atmosphere.

“Then, when everyone comes into training or when we step out on match-day everybody wants to do their best and make sure that they’re helping the guy next to them.”

Alan Hutton: “I’ve not worked with him before.

“But with his experience on the managerial side and from his time as a player, he’s always giving us pointers on how we can improve.

“To have that on your side, going out to games, will help everyone.”

Gary Gardner: “Roy is someone who really doesn’t need an introduction because he has proved what he is all about.

“He was a hard-tackling midfielder, a very vocal player and a great person to have on your side.

“To have someone like that to listen to and to take on board their advice is a dream.

“I couldn’t pick anyone better to learn from - he is simply a midfield legend with such great passion for the game.”

Carlos Sanchez: “Of course it helps to have a world-class midfielder like Roy Keane here. He was a big player for Manchester United and I used to watch him on the TV when I was growing up in Colombia.

“He’s certainly got some advice to give to me. I’m very receptive to what great players like Roy Keane and Paul Lambert have to teach me.”

Shay Given: “I’ve known Roy for a number of years, obviously with the Irish connections and playing alongside him.

“It’s great to have him here; he’s a real leader, a character and a great assistant for the manager. He’s a manager himself in his own right – with the two of them at the helm it’s great for the club.

“He always gets talked about for his dark side and shouting at people but he’s been very helpful for all the players.

“He’s been out there coaching as well and giving players lots of advice.

“When an ex-player like Roy Keane gives you advice you take it on board because he was a fantastic player especially for the younger players – he’s a real help for them.”

FORMER TEAM-MATES

Mark Bosnich: “I think Roy Keane will be a great addition for Villa.

“He is as good as any player I played with and will bring weight with what he has to offer.

“Although during his playing days the majority of his motivation, his fuel, came from fear of failure, he will have to adapt to the modern day player and adapt to the fact that players are motivated by different things.

“He will. I’m confident of that.

“I had coffee with him in Australia a few years ago and I could see that his early experiences in management has been a real learning experience and he has so much to offer. This is a win for Villa and for Roy.”

THE MANAGER

Paul Lambert: “I think he’s given everybody a boost.

“He’s given the whole football club a good lift.

“People probably see Roy as this stern-faced guy who doesn’t laugh. But when you get to know him he likes a good laugh.

“He’s not like the way people portray him.

“You’ve got to have that, you’ve got to have the difference from being serious to chilling out. He’s just been great.

“He’s not just a serious person. He loves a laugh as well.

“He’s been great for me – and everyone else at the football club.

“As a player, he was one of the most accomplished in the history of the Premier League and he’s brought that experience gained over many years into his career in coaching and management. He’s someone for whom I have a lot of time and respect.

“He has worked under some great managers, some of the most successful in the game, and he’ll be a great help to myself as well.”