A twist or two still to be played out

DID it really happen? Has Roy Keane just decommissioned himself at Old Trafford?

Or perhaps we should wait for photographic evidence - say, a shot of his Corkness in green and white hoops, celebrating the winning goal in his first Old Firm game. (Stop salivating at the back there bhoys and, well, ghirls).

Is there any other leading Irish personality - with the possible exception of Gerry Adams - whose public pronouncements are subjected to quite as much forensic examination as those of Roy Keane? And with good reason. From Saipan, through the extended saga of his return to international duty, to his latest remarks on the prospect of a life away from Old Trafford, it’s fair to say that Roy Keane has always carefully considered the timing and impact of his words.