Roy Keane pulls out of ITV's World Cup coverage to focus on coaching

Roy Keane has decided against travelling to Brazil as a pundit for ITV's coverage of the World Cup, which gets underway next week.

The former Manchester United captain, who is currently assistant boss to Martin O'Neill with the Republic of Ireland, has reportedly stated that he wants to solely focus on his coaching career.

The 42-year-old was originally named in the punditry lineup alongside numerous ex-players, including Fabio Cannavaro, and Sunderland manager Gus Poyet.

"Roy has been a tremendous part of our pundit team in recent years, but we fully understand his decision to concentrate wholly on his coaching," The Guardian quotes an ITV spokesperson said. "We wish him every success for the future."

Keane, who recently rejected talks to become Celtic's new manager, is reportedly on the verge of being appointed Paul Lambert's assistant boss at Aston Villa.