mcgeady's seasonal highlights ... so far

Gregor Kyle
WHEN the time arrived for Scotland’s professional footballers to name their Player of the Year, there was one overwhelming choice.

In the past there may have been controversial decisions when it comes to the announcement of Scotland’s most prestigious personal award, but this year it was unanimous, with Aiden McGeady claiming both the Player and Young Player gongs.

“I was absolutely delighted to get both awards and as I said at the time, it was a bit of a shock to be honest with you,” McGeady told the Celtic View.

“I certainly didn’t expect to walk away with both awards and even getting one would have been great. To get both is exceptional.

“As I said before, I think when I first came into the first team I struggled to find consistency. This season I have managed to maintain a decent level.”

While the campaign still has one vital match remaining, one which, in terms of drama and importance, could completely eclipse all others this season, the Celtic supporters have a store of McGeady highlights to look back on this season.

The performance at Aberdeen was one, where his unbelievable twist and pirouette earned Scott McDonald the Goal of the Month award for what was a straighforward back-post header and as he looked back on the year so far, McGeady picked out some personal highlights.

Performance of the season:
“That would maybe be the Benfica game at Celtic Park. That was a big game for me because it was probably the best game that I’ve had in Europe. I’ve played a few good games in Europe, but the fact that we needed to win so badly and that I scored the only goal was what made it a stand-out. It was just one of those nights where everything seemed to work right.”

Goal of the season:
“I wouldn’t say it was my best goal, but the most important one was against Benfica. Like I said, I might have scored better goals in my career but none more important.

Toughest opponent:
“That would be the left-back from AC Milan, from the second game out there, Giuseppe Favalli. I kept trying to run down the line, but he kept reading me and took the ball off me three or four times in a row. I learned from that, but he was a tough player to get past. He’s quite old as well, he’s 36 now, but is just a great reader of the game. These are the games where you learn the most about yourself, when you are playing against the best players in Europe.”

Player of the Year:
“I went for Scott McDonald, simply because he has scored so many goals in his first season at the club. It takes players time to settle, but he has hit the ground running and has obviously been a great asset to us. I think it would be tough to go to another team and try and get used to the style of play and new players and still score goals. He has done that and is top scorer by some distance.”