Roddy Doyle to work on Roy Keane autobiography

Roddy Doyle has signed a deal to work with Roy Keane to write the footballer's autobiography.

The book, titled 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.”

Keane, one of the most controversial players of his generation whose career included stints in the midfield for Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, said: “I am very happy to be working with Roddy Doyle on this book, and look forward to the experience.”

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.”

PA