Aiden McGeady flies ‘home’ to Moscow today leaving behind the celebrations and excitement in Ireland after securing qualification for next summer’s European Championships.
After a decade of duty in a green shirt the former Celt can look forward to a month in the spotlight next summer as Ireland do battle in Poland and Ukraine.
Amongst his many thoughts he’ll no doubt cast a quiet thought back Scotland, the self proclaimed ‘best wee country in the world’ which vilified and abused a teenager who opted to play for the country of his grandparents after being overlooked by Scotland for whatever reason.
Once Packie Bonner had picked the news up on the southside graveline about the incredible talent with an Irish bloodline McGeady was brought into the international scene and has never looked back.
The racist abuse that he suffered at virtually every ground in the country helped harden his resolve and confirmed the fears and warnings of his parents who anticipated the reaction their son would receive.
McGeady’s stubborn streak probably thrived on some of the attention that was subjected to but despite welcoming Richard Gough, Matty Elliot, Nigel Quashie, Andy Goram, Phil Bardsley and the wondefully named Craig Mackail-Smith to their hearts the great Scottish public and large sections of the media couldn’t come to terms with McGeady playing for Ireland.
After three successful seasons under Gordon Strachan, starring in the Champions League as well as domestically, Celtic’s run of success came to a halt during the 2008/09 campaign with the collapse of the relationship between manager and star player a factor in Celtic’s collapse.
A starring role in Celtic’s League Cup Final win over Rangers was little consolation with the writing on the wall for McGeady’s Celtic future as Tony Mowbray took over from Strachan the following season.
Moscow seemed an unlikely destination when Spartak first showed interest in the player but again the independent streak in the player took over as he completed a £10m move to the Russian capital.
Spartak have been unable to challenge for the title but McGeady has settled quickly and sparkled, catching the eye of other continental sides surprised that anyone from these islands has been able to settle abroad with relative ease.
Following the European Championships it’s unlikely that McGeady will return to Spartak. Whichever direction he moves in his skills and talent will be appreciated with the stubborn streak about him is bound to ensure continued success.
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“the self-proclaimed best wee country in the world”.
Yes i take your point, the pathetic arrogance of deluding yourselves into thinking you are “The Greatest …. in the world”.
How ironic that you are a Celtic fan making this point.
Have you booked you’re usual 16.90 Christmas dinner joe?
Two black puddin’ suppers and a bottle of ‘Bucky’?
By any chance are you Irish? lol you seem to forget that your team ate hardly the greatest in the world! You seem to hate the Scottish people…well stop supporting our Scottish club then. And you name these Players that are not Scottish but playing for Scotland? Just remember since 2010 Ireland have had over 16 players play for them that are not from republic of Ireland
It’s actually the the most bigoted wee country in the world anyway we are all glad Aiden choose correctly hail hail wee man
McGeady owes nothing to Scotland and his decision to play for Ireland has been vindicated.
Indeed given the scandalous abuse he had to put up with here, he need have no fears about going anywhere in the world to display his talents.
Meanwhile the most bigoted wee country in the world wallow wallows in its mediocrity and shame, whilst plummeting down the world football rankings.
Aiden must be well chuffed.
#Bigots to the left of me, bigots to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with…anyone ? #
I wish aiden had chosen Scotland even after being overlooked “for whatever reason” love that I quickly got over that accepted his decision and i will be wishing and cheering on Ireland next summer but this article just seems full of bitterness ‘for whatever reason’ hold on to your hatred if you want there are a lot who want to move on to better things. Scotland may have its bigots to say its full and everyone in it is one overplays things just a smidgin but some of those that are wear the green and white. sad but true