Aston Villa's new signing George Boateng has been told that he can become as good as Roy Keane by his former Coventry team-mate Dion Dublin.

Dublin was a big admirer of the former Dutch Under-21 international during their days together at Highfield Road. Now the England striker believes £4.5million capture Boateng can be a big hit with Villa and emulate the success of Manchester United star Keane.

Dublin said: ``Without doubt George has the potential to be as good as Roy Keane. ``He is everywhere on the pitch, in defence, fighting for the ball in midfield, and pressing forward into attack. ``He wants to do everything - just like Roy Keane does - and one day he could be as good as Roy Keane. ``All you have to do with George is let him play and he will produce some special things. We will all be waiting to see if he can do the same at Villa. ``But he has the strength we are going to need this season if we are going to win the championship and that's what we're going for.''

Dublin has denied Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson's allegations over his involvement in the transfer of Boateng. Richardson claimed that the striker had approached the midfielder last season on behalf of the Villa management. But Dublin's advisor, Struan Marshall, insists that Dublin has done nothing wrong and has already spoken to the on-going Football Association inquiry into the transfer. ``Dion totally refutes approaching George Boateng on behalf of the Aston Villa management,'' said Marshall. ``And he has already told the FA that as part of their inquiry.'' The FA have almost completed their inquiry into the move but need to speak to Boateng himself before passing any judgement. FA spokesman Steve Double said: ``We have interviewed most of the parties involved but we have not had an opportunity to speak to George Boateng. ``Once we have done that, the inquiry will be complete and we can decide what action, if any, needs to be taken.''

Meanwhile, Villa defender Riccardo Scimeca is relishing the prospect of linking up again at Nottingham Forest with David Platt. Former England Under-21 captain Scimeca, who has signed a four-year contract after moving across the Midlands for £3million, used to clean Platt's boots during his days at Villa Park. Scimeca said: ``I'm a bit sad about leaving Villa but I have no regrets because I want to progress my career.

``I used to clean David Platt's boots when I was a youth team player although I didn't know him personally. I'm moving because I want first team football week in and week out.''