article_snippet.sent: Villa have had a strong connection with the Republic over the years and that was strengthened during Keane’s spell as assistant manager to Paul Lambert.
article_snippet.sent: Keane, who quit Villa at the end of last year, is also assistant to O'Neill at senior level.
article_snippet.sent: But with Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley among the young players in Roy HodgsonKeane’s senior squad standing in Roy Hodgson’s way, it is a difficult pitch.
highlights_snippet.sent: England are monitoring Martin O'Neill progress and hope to persuade Martin O'Neill .