Celtic academy graduate Aiden McGeady wants to return to Parkhead, but has admitted that it’s highly unlikely to happen.
The Republic of Ireland international is on the hunt for a new club after being frozen out at Sunderland. McGeady ended up featuring for Charlton Athletic during the second half of last season.
The former Hoops winger was a sensation during his time in Scotland, making 200 appearances for the club and bagging 80 direct goal contributions (Transfermarkt).
He’s been speaking to Go Radio about whether he would be interested in a move up to Scotland, and it’s clear McGeady would love nothing more than a return to Parkhead:
“There’s been a little bit of talk before in January about me possibly going to Hibs with Jack Ross. Obviously I’ve had a few messages about it and stuff. But honestly, I don’t know.
“Maybe if Lenny [Neil Lennon] gets in touch then I might, aye! But I don’t think that’s going to happen, I think that ship has sailed. My first choice would be Celtic but I think that time in my career has passed to be honest with you.
“I honestly feel I could play another four or five years but whether someone employs you for that long is a different story.”
McGeady is no longer the player we sold in 2010
McGeady once left for a club-record sale that raked in £9.5million to Parkhead (Daily Record). However, the pacey, tricky flair-player he once was is far away the player he is now.
That’s not to say the Irish international isn’t a decent footballer. He can still easily find a gig in England or for a Scottish Premiership club, but he isn’t of the level that Celtic need anymore.
Last season, for example, the winger only managed six goals and two assists. All of those came over the course of 31 appearances (Transfermarkt). Celtic need better than that from any new recruit.
The desire from McGeady to return to Glasgow comes just a week after former Celt Beram Kayal was saying the same thing (Scottish Sun).
Any new signings simply have to be fresher than what McGeady and Kayal would represent. A look towards the future as opposed to a blast from the past.
McGeady will bag himself a new club before the season begins. He still has plenty to offer the right side. But that most certainly won’t be happening at Parkhead.
In other news, an English reporter believes a Celtic-linked Championship talent will leave his club this summer.
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