Keane rules out England return

Robbie Keane has ruled out making a permanent move back to the Premier League after joining Aston Villa on loan from LA Galaxy.

The Irishman has moved to Villa Park on a two-month loan deal in a bid to boost his fitness ahead of the new MLS season in March, but he insists he is happy to stay in America after enjoying a successful first few months which saw him win the MLS Cup.

“Come back permanently? No. I am quite happy in the MLS. I have really enjoyed the three months I have had there so far. It is a great lifestyle out there for the family,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“It’s nice to have the opportunity to come back for a couple of months, but when that ends I am looking forward to getting back with the Galaxy. I was having the time off that I wanted, but then I got some phone calls and when one of them was from Villa it was a club I felt immediately I would be comfortable with, because of the people I already know there.”

The Republic of Ireland striker also insisted he has no immediate plans to retire from international football, with new Villa team-mates Richard Dunne and Shay Given also keen to continue playing for their country.

“I’ve made it clear that I am happy enough to keep playing for Ireland as long as I feel sharp enough to do so,” he said.

“At the moment if I still feel good then there will be no reason to retire.”

“I believe Richard and Shay have already said they want to carry on, and Shay is about 50 now!”