FA PREMIERSHIP: Roy Keane found himself embroiled in yet more controversy last night. The Manchester United captain faces the possibility of legal action for injuring Alf-Inge Haaland, the Manchester City midfielder with whom he has had a long feud. Haaland is investigating comments in Keane's autobiography in which he apparently indicates that he set out to harm the Norwegian in a Premiership match at Old Trafford.

The Football Association will also investigate whether to take their own measures against Keane and has asked for an advance copy of the book.

Haaland (29) has not started a single game since Keane (right) was sent off for a reckless foul on him during the Manchester derby in April 2001.

Keane had ruptured his knee ligaments tackling the same player, then of Leeds United, in a match at Elland Road three years earlier.

In his book, he says: "I'd waited long enough. I fucking hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that . . . I didn't wait for Mr Elleray to show the card. I turned and walked to the dressing- room."

Haaland had been due to have an operation on his knee at the end of that season, but after Keane's lunge he brought the surgery forward. There were complications and he made only four substitute appearances for City last season.

Haaland will have a scan today to see if he needs further surgery. "I will go in again to see if I can find any of Keane's studs in there," he told the Norwegian newspaper VG.

"I have played only a few games after that tackle; you can make your mind up (about Keane's responsibility) yourself."

Haaland said he was taking advice. "Am I going to sue? Those are your words. You can make your own conclusions."

Meanwhile, Keane's comments on his amazing World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy were greeted with a stony silence from the Republic of Ireland manager yesterday.

McCarthy (right) has told friends he is determined not to be drawn into a response to Keane's continuing jibes.

And FAI press officer Brendan McKenna said yesterday: "The feeling among the officials seems to be that we want to put some distance between ourselves and this issue."

McCarthy, who has been accused by Keane of not employing positive enough tactics to beat Spain in the second round after Jose Camacho's side had been reduced to 10 men for the entire period of extra-time, has pledged to make no further comment whatsoever.

But Keane was critical in his assessment of the manager's role in the game which saw Ireland go out in a penalty shoot-out.

"The World Cup? They did OK, but that's what they expected because the manager drums that into the team," said Keane. "We've done well to qualify, all that nonsense. That's the problem. That sums up the mentality.

"Spain had 10 men for half an hour, the game was there for the taking. I think a more astute manager would have won the game. Some people have higher standards than others."

As for his own international future, Keane reiterated the fact that he would love to play for Ireland again - but only after McCarthy has left.