Former Celts

Former Celt’s Champions League challenge

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Aiden McGeady Celtic newsAiden McGeady is preparing to make his full Everton debut at the unlikely outpost of Stevenage on Saturday.

The former Celtic midfielder made a ten minute appearance away to West Brom on Monday night as his new side drew 1-1 to remain in contention for a Champions League place.

After winning the FA Cup for Wigan last season Roberto Martinez is out to ‘defend’ the trophy despite switching clubs.

Winning the trophy at Wembley would end Everton’s 19 year trophy wait with Martinez looking for the McGeady factor to take the club into the Champions League ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs.

Almost a decade on from his Celtic debut McGeady is well used to the demands of his job and looking forward to getting started in the blue and white of his new club.

“Since I was 17, I have always had that pressure from when I was at Celtic,” he explained. “You have pressure to create something when you have the ball and if you lose the ball, you have 60,000 fans on your back.

“It is the same everywhere in football. Pressure is everywhere for everyone, not just myself. It is the manager, every player. I think I can handle the pressure, yes. That is a big statement the manager has made, but it shows he has a lot of faith in me.”

Most punters expected McGeady to last less than a year in Moscow but despite a difficult ending to his time in the Russian capital he enjoyed the experience of playing for Spartak.

“I don’t really want to talk bad about them,” he added. “They could make it difficult – when I was put to train with the youth team they could fine you for anything. They were almost looking for you to make a mistake.

“They wouldn’t just fine you a small amount, but half a month’s wages but listen, it was a good experience. The last six months were less so. I have matured as a player. I think I have got a lot more to give than I have shown in the last few years but I definitely feel I am a better player than the one who left Celtic.”

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