Concerns raised about former Celtic favourite's career after serious injury

By John McGinley

March 4, 2023

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson has suggested Aiden McGeady has a decision to make about whether to attempt a comeback from his serious hamstring injury.

McGeady, now 36, has torn the muscle and is set to be out of action for months. It follows another injury that significantly impacted the start of his season at Easter Road.

With the winger already taking steps in consideration of the post-playing career in football off the pitch, Johnson has told reporters he will now hold talks with him about his future.

Lee Johnson set for Aiden McGeady talks

As quoted by The Daily Record, the Hibs boss said: “It’s a tough one. We haven’t got the exact timescale yet, but he went to see a specialist on Thursday and they’re just deciding or not whether the hamstring requires surgery. Either way, it’s definitely going to be four months, and potentially six months if that surgery is required.

“I’m due to have a conversation with Aiden on the big picture stuff and we really just want to help him now. Whatever he decides, if he wants to make a full return to playing then absolutely we’ll support that. If he decided different then we’ll support that and start him on a different journey. Inevitably, I think he’ll be spinning a few plates.

“He’s doing a sporting director’s course and I know he’s taking the first part of his coaching badges as well. Obviously, he’s got a lot of experience to give in football, and whether that be another year or two as a player or whether that be stepping into a new adventure.

“It’s not easy to do that. I did it early based on an injury I had, and the timing was right. But when you love playing, like I did and like Aiden does, then it’s difficult to give up. I would never, ever retire a football player. It’s up to them to decide when the time is right or not.”

McGeady lived the dream at Celtic

McGeady, a boyhood Celtic fan, no doubt fulfilled many of the his career ambitions he had as a youth player coming through the academy. He made over 250 appearances for the Bhoys, winning trophies and producing big displays in the UEFA Champions League.

The winger then got the chance to play in Russia before a spell in the English Premier League. Even if he does hang up his boots following this injury, I doubt he’ll have many – if any – career regrets.

All the best with your recovery whatever your decision is Aiden!

In other news, Emilio Izaguirre set for class Celtic reunion.