Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is of the belief that Roy Keane's knowledge of the game is too strong to simply be a football commentator.
The former Manchester United captain was working as a pundit for ITV when Lambert appointed him to be his assistant at Villa Park this summer and he admits it has been an inspired choice.
"It never once crossed my mind," Lambert said ahead of Saturday's home clash with Arsenal.
"The two of us are really strong ¬characters. I knew he had a lot of football knowledge that was unfairly tarnished.
"His knowledge meant he was too good to be a TV pundit. To get him back in the game was great."
Lambert admits the decision to hire Keane, who doubles as Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland assistant, has had its detractors but he feels the 43-year old has been a brilliant addition to the Villa family.
"When I was thinking about people to bring in, I know it probably raised a few eyebrows. Nobody sees the logic in it. I just had a gut feeling it would work," Lambert added.
"I never had any doubts. He was the first port of call when I knew I had to get somebody in.
"He's been great around the place, with the staff and the lads. He likes a laugh as well. I don't think he's the big bad guy out there that some people might think. He's somebody I know I can rely on."
