Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert claims that newspaper reports of a confrontation between his former assistant manager Roy Keane and Tom Cleverley. Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert claims that newspaper reports of a confrontation between his former assistant manager Roy Keane and Tom Cleverley.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has confirmed his former assistant Roy Keane did turn up at Tom Cleverley's house this week.

However, he insists the incident has been blown out of proportion by the media, who reported that Keane stood ringing the doorbell for 15 minutes seeking an argument.

Keane, who stepped down from his Villa Park role to focus on his position as Republic of Ireland assistant manager, supposedly wanted a showdown about recent 'leaks' from the dressing room from his time at the club.

Lambert said: "I spoke to Tom this morning briefly, and he assures me that what is being portrayed is certainly not what happened. That was it, really.

I think you should give the guy a break. Paul Lambert

"I've probably spoken about Roy more since he's left than when he was here. I think you should give the guy a break. From the brief chat I had with Tom, it certainly wasn't how it was portrayed. That was what Tom told me this morning."

Various stories about Keane's spell at Villa Park have emerged in recent weeks including an allegedly difficult relationship with vice-captain Gabriel Agbonlahor, but Lambert insisted he had no problem with his former assistant.

Lambert added: "I spoke to Roy. We're good pals, not just in this regard but we're good pals in general and that will always be the same. Roy's obviously got his Ireland role to contend with and work on, trying to qualify for Euro 2016.

"There's no problem on that side. He's my pal. I spoke to Tom and the matter is finished."

Villa take on Manchester United on Saturday and Lambert has said that he will be forced to promote an academy player to the bench just to make up the numbers.