Robbie Keane has urged Aston Villa fans to get behind manager Alex McLeish.

The Republic of Ireland ace says it has not been easy for McLeish with owner Randy Lerner cutting costs and selling stars like Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

Asked if Big Eck will eventually prosper at Villa, Keane replied: "Yeah, of course he will.

"This is a transitional period for Aston Villa, which I felt before I even came.

"You have a manager who has come in who has done a tremendous job everywhere he has been.

"You need your own group of players and hopefully next year if he brings his own players in and moulds them, then you will hopefully see Villa pushing for the Europa League or even Champions League."