• Football

Keane ends ITV punditry to focus on coaching

ESPN staff
June 3, 2014
Roy Keane may be able to continue working for ITV on their Champions League coverage © Getty Images
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Roy Keane has left ITV as a pundit in order to concentrate on his coaching career.

The former Manchester United captain has been a regular analyst for the television broadcaster since 2011 for their coverage of England matches and the Champions League.

However, he will not be heading to the World Cup as he closes in on becoming Paul Lambert's assistant at Aston Villa next season.

Keane has already turned down the chance to manage Celtic and was involved in ITV's World Cup launch a fortnight ago. The role at Villa would allow him to continue to work alongside Martin O'Neill with the Republic of Ireland.

"Roy has been a tremendous part of our pundit team in recent years, but we fully understand his decision to concentrate wholly on his coaching," an ITV spokesperson said.

"We wish him every success for the future."

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