Robbie Keane: Alex McLeish can lead Aston Villa to Europe

Robbie Keane has said that Aston Villa can compete for a place in the Champions League under current boss Alex McLeish.

McLeish, who has been a controversial figure at Villa Park following his arrival at the club, will be able to lead the Midlands oufit up the table and into Europe given time, according to Keane.

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

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

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

Keane scored three goals in six appearances for the Villans during his loan spell at the club.