By . Simeon Gholam . Follow @@SimGholam . He may have a reputation as one of the scariest men in football, but Roy Keane showed he had a somewhat softer side following the hug he received from Aston Villa's mascot on Saturday. The former Manchester United captain has taken a position alongside Paul Lambert in the Villa Park dugout, and was embraced by Bella the Lion during his first appearance on the touchline. And despite his hardman reputation, Keane couldn't help himself but to crack into something of a smile. VIDEO Scroll down for 'Roy Keane answers questions on his appointment at Villa' Smiles: Roy Keane was embraced by Bella the Lion at Villa Park on Saturday . Back in the big time: Keane has returned to the dugout under Paul Lambert at Aston Villa . In their first appearance at home in pre-season, the Irishman oversaw his team drawing 0-0 with Italian club Parma. Keane's assistant role at Villa has marked his return to the Premier League following a six-year absence since he quit his managerial post at Sunderland in 2008. He will combine the post with his other job as the assistant under Martin O'Neill for the Republic of Ireland national team.
Keane hugged by Villa mascot Bella the Lion on first appearance at Villa Park .
He has taken an assistant manager role under Paul Lambert .
Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Parma in pre-season game on Saturday .
By . Simeon Gholam . Follow @@SimGholam . He may have a reputation as one of the scariest men in football, but Roy Keane showed he had a somewhat softer side following the hug he received from Aston Villa's mascot on Saturday. The former Manchester United captain has taken a position alongside Paul Lambert in the Villa Park dugout, and was embraced by Bella the Lion during his first appearance on the touchline. And despite his hardman reputation, Keane couldn't help himself but to crack into something of a smile. VIDEO Scroll down for 'Roy Keane answers questions on his appointment at Villa' Smiles: Roy Keane was embraced by Bella the Lion at Villa Park on Saturday . Back in the big time: Keane has returned to the dugout under Paul Lambert at Aston Villa . In their first appearance at home in pre-season, the Irishman oversaw his team drawing 0-0 with Italian club Parma. Keane's assistant role at Villa has marked his return to the Premier League following a six-year absence since he quit his managerial post at Sunderland in 2008. He will combine the post with his other job as the assistant under Martin O'Neill for the Republic of Ireland national team.
Aston Villa's mascot on Saturday. The former alongside Paul Lambert in the Villa Park dugout, Roy Keane was embraced by Bella the Lion at Villa has returned to the dugout under Paul Lambert at Aston Villa . In their first appearance at home drawing 0-0 with Italian club Parma. Keane's