Former Celtic favourite Aiden McGeady handed career lifeline

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Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady was today handed his first start in 13 months by new Sunderland boss Lee Johnson.

The former Republic of Ireland international, who holds 93 caps, had fallen out favour under Phil Parkinson. The ex-Black Cats manager went as far as to part McGeady from his squad number (Chronicle Live).

Johnson, who was appointed Sunderland boss this week (BBC), clearly sees the need for the 34-year-old ex-Celt in his new team. McGeady is a popular figure in the North-East of England, with fans clamouring for his return to the side (Chronicle Live).

Named from the start against Wigan Athletic, McGeady was substituted after 77 minutes (BBC) of Sunderland’s 1-0 home defeat. The loss leaves Sunderland 9th in League One, with 24 points from 15 games.

While Sunderland’s supporters will be disappointed with the result, there’ll have been many on Teeside who will have found positives in Lee Johnson’s debut as manager. Chief amongst them will be the return of a winger who has found the last few years of his career difficult.

A sad sight for Celts

McGeady had been linked with a move home to Celtic Park as recently as this September, but the move doesn’t look like a good fit for player or club.

The Celtic academy product told the Go Radio Football Show:

““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.”

It’s a shame to see McGeady struggle in the Autumn of his career.

When he moved to Spartak Moscow for £9.5m in 2010, it looked like the Irish international’s stock could only rise. A transfer to Everton followed in 2014, but he only made 32 performances for the Toffees. It was clear he was surplus to requirements by the end of his spell at Goodison Park.

In a parallel universe, McGeady would contribute as a squad player to a Celtic team chasing 10-in-a-row. Missing 13 months of football for a side in League One wasn’t in anyone’s script for the winger when he broke through at Celtic Park.

Hopefully there are better times ahead for the ex-Celt.