Manchester United captain Roy Keane insists he has not been affected by the
row which has erupted over his controversial autobiography.
The 31-year-old led United to a 1-0 opening day win over West Brom at Old Trafford yesterday, shrugging off the threat of legal action from Manchester City and their Norwegian midfielder Alf Inge Haaland.
Last week, in the serialisation of his autobiography, Keane claimed he had deliberately set out to injure Haaland in April last year as retribution for the Norwegian accusing him of feigning injury during a meeting with his previous club Leeds.
Haaland has not completed a full match since that infamous Manchester derby and faces the threat of being forced to quit the game with knee injury which he claims suffered more damage as a result of Keane's reckless tackle, even though he was caught on the other leg.
Keane, who has received the backing of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, remains unrepentant and insists he has only told the truth.
"It wasn't hard to concentrate, not one bit," he said.
"I have a perfectly clear frame of mind. I try to tell the truth and that is what I have done. I am not bothered about the headlines, I suggest you read the book."
It is the second time in a matter of weeks Keane has made the front pages, following his row and subsequent walk-out from the Irish World Cup squad.
Ironically, he believes the summer rest will help him get through another Premiership campaign.
"I feel better for the rest both mentally and physically. Hopefully I will see the benefit later on in the year."
Keane was given a more advanced role yesterday, with Ferguson deploying a diamond formation in midfield.
It should have brought Keane a first-half opener but he fluffed one header from a good position, then saw goalkeeper Russell Hoult save a second flying effort from David Beckham's cross.
"I was given a licence to get forward but I missed a great chance in the first half. I should have scored," said Keane.
"But we got the win, which after the defeat in Hungary on Wednesday was the most important thing."
PA