Roberto Martinez is confident that he can get the best out of Aiden McGeady.
After scoring away to Leicester in Everton’s opening match of the season the midfielder has started just ten Premier League matches and failed to add to his goal tally.
A red card in the FA Cup defeat at West Ham hampered his progress while fighting off a couple of frustrating injuries.
After flirting briefly with the relegation zone Everton are sitting in mid-table with McGeady impressing as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win away to West Ham.
Ireland’s end of season double against England and Scotland will give the 29-year-old the opportunity to sign off the season in style with his club boss in no doubt about his quality.
“Aiden has got that magic that you need as a wide player to take people on in one v one situations,” Martinez said after the win at West Ham. “There is nothing better than having a player who can go past people to unlock defensive organisation.
“I thought that when Aiden came on on Saturday, he showed sharpness in his play. He looked ready.
“It has been tough for him to be on the sidelines carrying little niggles and injuries. I did feel that when we played against Crystal Palace away he performed really well throughout the 90 minutes. Since then he hasn’t been able to be on the pitch.
“To see him fit and ready to fight to get his place back was a real satisfaction and it was a little bit of a sign of the quality that he has. That’s a challenge we have for next season. We have to help him be at the level throughout the season.
“With wingers you rely on the service and the team as well as yourself, and I am very confident that Aiden can be a very important player for us.”
Everton are sitting in tenth place and complete their campaign at home to Spurs on Sunday.