THE Commitments author Roddy Doyle has signed a deal to work with Roy Keane to write the footballer's second autobiography.
The book, called The Second Half, will be published in the autumn and is described as a blend of "memoir and motivational writing in a manner which both disquiets and reassures in Roy Keane's own original voice".
Dublin-born Doyle, who won the Booker Prize in 1993 for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, said: "Ten years ago I was buying something in a shop in New York and I handed my credit card to the young African man behind the counter. He read Bank of Ireland on the card, looked at me and said: 'Ireland - Roy Keane.' I'm delighted to be writing this book with Roy."
Cork man Keane, one of the most controversial players of his generation who captained both Manchester United and Ireland, said: "I am very happy to be working with Roddy Doyle on this
book, and look forward to the experience."
He previously released an autobiography in 2002 written with RTE pundit Eamon Dunphy, which made headlines for an admission that he intended to hurt Manchester City player Alf-Inge Haaland with a reckless tackle in a derby game the previous year.
The second book is likely to be eagerly awaited for its riposte to criticism of Keane - now assistant to Martin O'Neill in the Republic of Ireland management team - contained in Alex Ferguson's recent autobiography.
Alan Samson, from publishers Orion, said: "I believe The Second Half will become a benchmark for sports autobiography.
"The combination of an outstanding player - and leader - like Roy with a writer of Roddy's extraordinary gifts should result in one of the books of the year."