Kevin MacDonald has been tipped to shine in his role as part-time coach in Steve Staunton's new-look Republic of Ireland set-up.

Villa's reserve team boss took his place alongside Staunton yesterday, but as we revealed last week, he will continue managing the second string at Villa Park.

Former Villa physio Jim Walker knows MacDonald and Staunton well and believes they will work well together on the international stage.

He commented: "David O'Leary knows how well Kevin has done at the club and he must be proud that one of his staff has been chosen.

"It's also a very proud moment for Aston Villa as a club and it's great that the two are going to work together.

"Steve knew Kevin from their days together at Liverpool. Kevin had a lot of success there and he has brought that success to his reserve team.

"Steve would have watched him very closely over the period of time he has spent with Villa."

Walker continued: "Kevin is a proven coach. You need luck in football. Some people who haven't got Kevin's drive or enthusiasm have gone on.

"People respect him because he played with a top team to start with. Footballers young and old get on with him and he's had success as a 'manager' with the youth team and reserves.

"He's waited a long time for this opportunity and he has deserved it. He's done a great job at Villa and this will give him the opportunity for people to see him and see what he can do."