Roy Keane autobiography: Keane prepares for book launch three days after second autobiography was leaked early

Keane has taken aim at the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Alf-Inge Haaland and comically Robie Savage in his second instalment of his take on an eventful career

Roy Keane was ‘demanding on the pitch but off it he was a nice guy’ says Wayne Rooney (Getty Images)

Roy Keane will face the media on Thursday for the first time since his updated autobiography accidentally hit the shelves three days early.

The official launch of The Second Half, in which the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland skipper takes aim at some familiar targets and some new ones, will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as scheduled despite the error which allowed copies briefly to go on sale in England on Monday.

Keane's latest offering, written in conjunction with author Roddy Doyle, has already filled countless column inches with his thoughts on Sir Alex Ferguson, Alf-Inge Haaland, Celtic, non-Irish-born Ireland internationals and Robbie Savage, among others.

The 43-year-old, who also writes candidly about his demons, his problems with alcohol and anger, is due to hold a press conference at 3pm.

Keane has spent the last few days in Portmarnock with the Ireland squad - he combines his role as Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert's assistant with a similar position under Republic boss Martin O'Neill - as they prepare for Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar in Dublin and the trip to Germany which follows three days later.

Keane currently acts as both the Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland assistant manager (EPA)

Much of the talk outside the camp has understandably centred on the book, although O'Neill and a series of players have insisted they have not read it, and that its publication has not been a distraction during what is an important week for them.

O'Neill said with a smile on Wednesday: "I have things to do this week, like Gibraltar. I am not concerned about anybody's book at this moment, particularly my assistant manager."

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Midfielder James McClean too was adamant that the book would not be allowed to hamper preparations for the forthcoming fixtures.

He said: "I don't see why. Roy writes a book - it's not going to affect what we do on the pitch. That's his business. We are here to focus on two games and get the best two results possible."

Roy Keane cracks a smile after being cuddled by Aston Villa mascot Bella the Lion

One of Keane's former players - striker Pablo Counago who was at Ipswich with Keane - has already responded to the book.

Keane was particularly critical of the Spaniard and claims he came close to hitting him.

But Counago told the Ipswich fan website TWTD: "It seems like he needs to criticise players, managers and directors to keep selling books as he is not able to do anything else in football.

"It is a very sad ending for a person that was so big as a player. As I told him once, I think he is a complete mess as a football manager. As he has said in his book, he wanted to hit me, but behind his appearance there's a coward. I just hope he can find happiness in his life as, in my opinion, being that miserable must be very mentally draining."

PA