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Paul Lambert’s recruitment drive will burst into life once the World Cup is over.

The Aston Villa manager has already signed Joe Cole and Philippe Senderos this summer but he wants more new arrivals ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

Villa’s under-performing squad clearly needs improving next term and once this summer’s main even in Brazil is over, Lambert will step up his search.

“We will try to get a few more in,” he said. “Things will start to happen after the World Cup.”

Aside from Cole and Senderos, Lambert has also been planning changes to his backroom staff.

Roy Keane was appointed assistant manager on Tuesday and on Wednesday the Premier League hero revealed how he hopes to improve Villa’s fortunes.

That Lambert has moved to replace his sacked former assistant Ian Culverhouse with such a high-profile name is a bold move.

He’s still a man down, though.

Former head of football operations Gary Karsa is yet to be replaced and it’s unlikely that he will be.

“I’m not so sure about it,” said Lambert when asked if he was looking for a direct replacement.

“I had to get in a No.2 and now I will have a look at it and see. If no-one comes in then it will be fine.”

Goalkeeper Shay Given temporarily took up the role at the back end of last season in the times of need.

He has since said that he wants to continue as a player, at least for the time being.

“Shay will come back in for pre-season and fight with (Brad) Guzan to get back in the side,” Lambert added.

“Elsewhere, I’ve got one or two things in my head regarding a goalkeeping coach.”

Lambert’s main bit of business was persuading Keane to come on board.

Villa agreed that he could remain assistant manager to Martin O’Neill in the Republic of Ireland set-up and combine the two roles.

Keane also turned down the chance to manage Celtic which played into Lambert’s hands.

“I had spoken to him long before that situation,” admitted the Villa boss.

“He’s someone who I get on really well with and have done for a long time.

“There’s no great secret regarding our relationship but I wouldn’t bring in Roy just for the sake of his name.

“I think he can bring something to the table and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s a top, top guy and a great football person first and foremost. He’s got great knowledge and he’s one of the best players to come out of the Premier League.

“He’s also had a successful time at Sunderland.

“I knew he was a strong character from his time as a footballer and what he did at Sunderland reinforced it.

“He is a winner and he was the first one who came into my head.”

With regards to Keane’s outspoken and often controlling ways, Lambert added: “If I never thought I could do it (work with him), I wouldn’t.

“We’ve known each other for a while and we respect each other. Ultimately, though, the manager at any club has the last word.”

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