Roddy Doyle named as Roy Keane's new ghostwriter

Seismic news this afternoon as two of Ireland's cultural icons confirm they are teaming up for a new literary work.

More than a decade on from penning his autobiography with Eamon Dunphy, Roy is planning to release his second memoir and has enlisted the help of Roddy Doyle to do it.

The man behind the revered likes of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and The Commitments will act as the ghostwriter for the footballing legend.

We can expect to read the results this autumn. Entitled The Second Half, it will mix memoir and motivational writing and will be published through Orion Publishing Group.

Keane himself has commented: "I am very happy to be working with Roddy Doyle on this book, and look forward to the experience."

Roddy Doyle: "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."