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Roy Keane’s legacy lives on at Aston Villa after defender Alan Hutton revealed that standards have not slipped following his departure.

Renowned for his tough training sessions and hard work ethic, Villa’s former No.2 has left the squad well drilled after deciding to call time on his spell in the Midlands.

Ahead of today’s clash with Leicester City at Villa Park , Hutton confirmed that the pre-match build-up has not lacked any intensity despite the Irishman’s absence.

Instead the players have taken on board what Keane used to demand and have vowed to use it as inspiration for the rest of the season.

“He demanded a lot from the players to give their all in training like any other manager or coach would and we have kept that up,” said Hutton.

“He definitely came in and put that across that he wanted standards to be high all the time.

“I got that, if you’re training like that then you’re going to take that into games. I understand why.

“So it has continued.

“The manager always wanted us pressing and working hard anyway, it’s continued that way.”

Hutton admitted that Keane’s exit came as a shock but insisted that it has been business as usual since.

Scott and Andy Marshall have stepped up their coaching duties to aid boss Paul Lambert who will look to bring in a new man after this weekend.

Hutton said: “I was surprised when he left. I didn’t know until I came in here (Bodymoor Heath). It was a shock.

“It’s a difficult one but I understand his choice – it’s tough to have the two jobs I’d imagine.”

Hutton enjoyed working with Keane and insisted there were never any problems.

“Me personally, it was all good with me.

“You could go and talk with him when ever you wanted.

“It’s only been a week or so since he left but the lads are going out and giving their all. I hope it continues.

“You have to want to go out there and give your all, not just in games but in everything you do.

“Everybody has to be pulling in the right direction.

“It’s so hard these days - you can’t have people going all over the place.

“You’ll find it tough.

“But now everyone’s together, the group’s close, that helps us.

“It helps to have experienced players, too.

“I’m all for youngsters coming through, but you also need old heads in there who’ve been there and done it.

“There needs to be the right blend.

“If there’s a team full of younsgters it’s hard for them.

“To have the older ones in there - even if you need to talk to someone, is good.

“Here for example, you can talk to Joe Cole about some of the things he’s been through and what he’s learned off other people he’s spoken to.

“It’s unbelievable some of the things he says. You can only gain from that sort of thing.”