Paul Lambert has claimed there was "absolutely no bust-up" when Roy Keane quit as Aston Villa's assistant manager.
Boss Lambert scotched reports Keane was embroiled in training-ground rows with Villa players before walking out on the club last week.
Christian Benteke's first goal in nine months handed Villa their first win in 10 games in an edgy 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
After denying any rift with Keane, Lambert hailed Benteke's resolve in notching his 30th goal in 60 Premier League games, his first since knee surgery in March.
"If anyone wants to know about Roy, I'll put it on your plate so you know: there's absolutely no problem whatsoever," said Lambert.
Former Manchester United linchpin Keane's party line for quitting his Villa post was to focus on his assistant's role with Republic of Ireland.
Lambert added: "He's got a lot of commitments with Ireland, he's never had a break from going away with Ireland, and never had a break from Aston Villa. So I totally respect his decision.
"Contrary to reports, there was absolutely nothing, absolutely no bust-up, no arguing, nothing like that. I thank him for his time coming to work for me. I spoke to him before the Burnley game, after the Burnley game, and we still have the same relationship. So I just want to put that to bed, all right?
"Back to your point, it's a massive four points in the last two away games, and we're four games unbeaten.
"Two young centre-halves having played well, Benteke back in with a goal and I thought Alan Hutton was fantastic."
Villa crept up to 12th courtesy of just their fourth league win in 14 games this term, with Palace left frustrated by a toothless final-third play.
Lambert hailed Benteke's return to goal-scoring form after a poor red card against Tottenham last month cost him a three-match ban.
"He's missed half the year, so that's the magnitude of it [his 30th goal in 60 league games], I'm delighted for him," said Lambert. "It was a great goal from Christian today.
"The suspension never helped his case, but that was a fantastic return."