Aiden McGeady

[Fixer82]

Scored again today

[samhaydenjr]

Is his form good enough for international consideration? I mean, he's only in League One because he went to Sunderland, not realising that this particular period of meltdown hadn't bottomed out yet.

[nigel-harps1954]

At 32, fast approaching 33, it's fair to say his best days are behind him and playing in League One, it'd be brutal if we had to resort to that sort of call up, an ageing winger who's at the lowest point of his career to date.

[liamoo11]

I would like to see him involved for his creative ability off the bench for games like Georgia or Gibraltar when we are struggling to keep the ball or create chances

[samhaydenjr]

Eighth of the season for McGeady today, scoring the only goal against Wimbledon. Jimmy Dunne appears to have settled in quickly, playing the full 90: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47011146

[mark12345]

I would like to see him involved for his creative ability off the bench for games like Georgia or Gibraltar when we are struggling to keep the ball or create chances

Do you really think we'll struggle to keep the ball or create chances in the next campaign? What on earth would make you think that?

[samhaydenjr]

At 32, fast approaching 33, it's fair to say his best days are behind him and playing in League One, it'd be brutal if we had to resort to that sort of call up, an ageing winger who's at the lowest point of his career to date.

Well, Wessi was the star of our Euro 2016 campaign at the age of 34 (the same age McGeady will be for Euro 2020). Plus McGeady is a little unlucky to be in League One - he went to a club that was, on paper, a big Championship club with realistic ambitions to return to the Premier League and did well, personally, with 35 games and 7 goals. Unfortunately, the club in general was in turmoil and got relegated. In his previous year in The Championship his stats at Preston were similar and his strike rate has gone up by about 50% in League One, with 8 goals in 23 appearances so far - so he doesn't appear to be that much worse of a player than he was over the last two seasons, which should put him in contention for a spot in the squad, especially given his extensive international experience.

[Philly]

I thought he was great on his day, and always hoped he would do well. But the difference between Wes and McGeady is that one peaked late, the other far too early. I think O 'Dowda is a far better option now.

[Fixer82]

I think he could still do a job for us. We're not embarrassed with riches. He didn't really put a foot wrong in any of his Euro 2016 appearances and is playing well, albeit at a lower standard. And yes, he's unlucky to be in League 1.
Martinez was the wrong manager for him and perhaps Everton was the wrong club for him. A newly promoted Premier league club would've probably suited him better. There would have been less pressure on him.

[nigel-harps1954]

Two players playing different positions, however I do take your point.

McGeady built his career around trickery and a burst of speed to get beyond the last man. Wes obviously had that earlier in his career, but peaked when he learned that the ball travels faster than the man. Not sure McGeady has ever picked up that trait to his game.

[Frogdog]

For all those against including McGeady in a squad*, who would you include as right wingers? Apart from O Dowda, we have no one else to play/cover that position. Don't tell me Jonathan Walters. He's not a winger, he's a forward. And while I'd like to see Matt Doherty given a go in that position, I see him more as a right full back when named in a squad.


*I'm not saying "team", as I believe O Dowda would/should start ahead of him.

[Fixer82]

Two players playing different positions, however I do take your point.

McGeady built his career around trickery and a burst of speed to get beyond the last man. Wes obviously had that earlier in his career, but peaked when he learned that the ball travels faster than the man. Not sure McGeady has ever picked up that trait to his game.

The biggest bug bear with McGeady for me was always trying too many tricks and then a lack of quality crossing. Very frustrating when he clearly had the tools in his locker. However, I feel his game has matured. But at 33, no doubt had lost a little pace. Having said that, I’ve not been watching League 1 so don’t really know other than the stats

[DeLorean]

I think O 'Dowda is a far better option now.

I'd have O'Dowda down as a starter at this stage but obviously McCarthy might have other ideas. I wouldn't consider McGeady to be in direct competition with him, more in competition with the fringe players who will make up the squad. I still think he could still be more useful than a lot of them.

[samhaydenjr]

For all those against including McGeady in a squad*, who would you include as right wingers? Apart from O Dowda, we have no one else to play/cover that position. Don't tell me Jonathan Walters. He's not a winger, he's a forward. And while I'd like to see Matt Doherty given a go in that position, I see him more as a right full back when named in a squad.


*I'm not saying "team", as I believe O Dowda would/should start ahead of him.

I've made the case elsewhere for pushing Cyrus Christie further forward as we have three Premier League Full-backs to accommodate. I thought his marauding runs as wing-back were about the only bright spot of the debacle against Mexico in 2017 (one of two Ireland games I've managed to see in full in in the last two years, admittedly). I understand people have concerns about his defensive capabilities but that wouldn't be as much of a concern if he has another full-back behind him. Plus he could change positions with Coleman/Doherty on the fly, keeping opposition defenses guessing.

[samhaydenjr]

Ninth of the season for McGeady against Accrington tonight - challenged an Accrington player who miscontrolled in midfield while facing his own half, did a step-on-the-ball turn, ran towards the Accrington goal, passed to the right and when the cross broke to him in the box, finished clinically: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47166881
There are cases for other players to make up the midfield portion of the squad, but McGeady is still an option

[Fixer82]

He’s taking some free kicks for Sunderland as well these days. Saw a fine effort come off the post in a recent game

[tetsujin1979]

Had a few outspoken views on Coleman in the Sunderland Til I Die documentary

[Yard of Pace]

Watched the last half hour of that match. McGeady was quite obviously the best footballer on show by far. Good interview afterwards where he expressed his frustration that Sunderland were having to come from a goal down just to earn another draw, of which they have a veritable plethora.
He still has a hunger about him. I'd hope Mick considers him. Can leave a full back on his arse, no problem still.

[DeLorean]

Had a few outspoken views on Coleman in the Sunderland Til I Die documentary

He did, but I don't think they stood up to much scrutiny. He claimed he had never played in a 4-3-3 before and didn't know what his defensive duties were. I read somewhere that he played in a 4-3-3 pretty regularly for Spartak. Whether he had or hadn't, surely he's experienced enough to just ask the manager/coaches for a bit more instruction. I'm a big McGeady fan but I thought he sounded like he was absolving himself of any personal responsibility.

[Fixer82]

Scored once again today

[DeLorean]

Nominated (along with Simon Cox) for League One Player of the Month award for February - https://www.efl.com/news/2019/march/sky-bet-league-one-february-player-of-the-month-nominations/


Aiden McGeady (Sunderland) - midfielder
Four goals in six games for the Irishman who continues to treat League One to his skills. Most impressive is his consistency as they were spread over five games, with the highlight being a sumptuous free-kick at Bristol Rovers.

A penny for Mick's thoughts. I guess we'll know tomorrow.

[Kingdom]

He did, but I don't think they stood up to much scrutiny. He claimed he had never played in a 4-3-3 before and didn't know what his defensive duties were. I read somewhere that he played in a 4-3-3 pretty regularly for Spartak. Whether he had or hadn't, surely he's experienced enough to just ask the manager/coaches for a bit more instruction. I'm a big McGeady fan but I thought he sounded like he was absolving himself of any personal responsibility.

Interesting. I only watched the programme after your comments on that point, and when I watched it, I didn't think it came across too bad at all to be honest.
I know he's got a rep as being confrontational with coaches and managers too. He essentially had carte blanche at Spartak, he had no defensive responsibilities. They didn't play with an out and out striker sometimes, in that they played with three attackers: Ari, McGeady, Weilliton all had attacking roles.
Sometimes the 3 were more of a 2 behind the 1. Often McGeady was the 1 behind 2 more advanced attackers.

[DeLorean]

There was also this interview which would appear contradictory - https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aiden-mcgeady-sunderlands-4-3-14551719

[DeLorean]

Only spotted now that McGeady, Dunne and Ronan Curtis are all Wembley bound as Sunderland play Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy final on the 31st March. All three started their respective semi finals over the past couple of weeks.

[Fixer82]

Only spotted now that McGeady, Dunne and Ronan Curtis are all Wembley bound as Sunderland play Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy final on the 31st March. All three started their respective semi finals over the past couple of weeks.

Scored twice today in this game

[samhaydenjr]

Scored twice today in this game

First goal was a cracking free-kick - was influential throughout, even helping out in defence - hey, if 35-year-old Glenn Whelan is now seen as a handy tool to have for this campaign, then surely there could be a place for almost-33-year-old McGeady, especially as he's having his most successful season, from a goalscoring point of view

[Fixer82]

He is too good for League One. He struggled at Premiership but that could've been down to Martinez, possibly not. He’s worth a place in the Irish squad in my opinion, as he offers something few others do and his confidence is high at the moment.

[irishfan86]

McGeady's omission is all the more baffling when you consider our lack of wide options in our current player pool. Even if you don't wish to start him, I think he's a good guy to have on the bench as he offers something different.

[mark12345]

First goal was a cracking free-kick - was influential throughout, even helping out in defence - hey, if 35-year-old Glenn Whelan is now seen as a handy tool to have for this campaign, then surely there could be a place for almost-33-year-old McGeady, especially as he's having his most successful season, from a goalscoring point of view

Interesting you brought up Whelan's name. That is exactly who I would drop from the squad to accomodate McGeady. We all view McGeady as a wide man, but he was an absolute revelation when he played in the middle of the park for Preston. North End fans loved him in that role and I remember he almost single handedly knocked Arsenal out of the Cup. McGeady is not the long term answer for the lack of creativity in the Irish midfield, but he could do a job for now.

[liamoo11]

Another goal tonight he is doing his bit to get them up in fairness

[DeLorean]

Interesting you brought up Whelan's name. That is exactly who I would drop from the squad to accomodate McGeady. We all view McGeady as a wide man, but he was an absolute revelation when he played in the middle of the park for Preston. North End fans loved him in that role and I remember he almost single handedly knocked Arsenal out of the Cup. McGeady is not the long term answer for the lack of creativity in the Irish midfield, but he could do a job for now.

I'm haven't been Whelan's biggest fan but after losing Rice and Silva continuing to shaft James McCarthy, I don't think Mick had much option but to bring him back in. Plus Whelan completely justified his inclusion against Georgia, having a good game himself but also freeing Hourihane and Hendrick up to do what they do best. The 'central' role that McGeady occupied at PNE is hardly comparable to the central role Whelan has - different halves of the pitch for a start!

[mark12345]

I'm haven't been Whelan's biggest fan but after losing Rice and Silva continuing to shaft James McCarthy, I don't think Mick had much option but to bring him back in. Plus Whelan completely justified his inclusion against Georgia, having a good game himself but also freeing Hourihane and Hendrick up to do what they do best. The 'central' role that McGeady occupied at PNE is hardly comparable to the central role Whelan has - different halves of the pitch for a start!

If Whelan can lead us deep into the Euro 2020 Finals, I will be happy to eat as much humble pie as possible.
Good luck to the lad. Maybe he has turned the corner?

[samhaydenjr]

Third fringe player to score tonight as Sunderland bet Rochdale 2-1: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49326913

[Stuttgart88]

I'm haven't been Whelan's biggest fan but after losing Rice and Silva continuing to shaft James McCarthy, I don't think Mick had much option but to bring him back in. Plus Whelan completely justified his inclusion against Georgia, having a good game himself but also freeing Hourihane and Hendrick up to do what they do best. The 'central' role that McGeady occupied at PNE is hardly comparable to the central role Whelan has - different halves of the pitch for a start!Compare that to Gibraltar at home where Hourihane wasted an hour of the game trying to conduct affairs from a deeper position. Mick made me worry about his appreciation of the game when He said sometrhing like "I'm not going to pick a sitting midfielder against Gibraltar, I'd be laughed at". I don't see a problem pickinmg a sitting midfielder against anyone if it provides a base for more attacking players to play further forward. In my opinion it was a mistake to leave him out and the performance suffered. At the very least I'd like to have seen Cullen play that role. Hourihane just can't exert any influence from our own half imho.

[Fixer82]

Anyone any idea as to why the Sunderland manager wants rid of his best player?

[peadar1987]

Anyone any idea as to why the Sunderland manager wants rid of his best player?

Trying to cut the wage bill? Only thing I can think of

[seanfhear]

What age is McGeady now anyway ? Was there something about an incident in training last week ?

[irishfan86]

Have always loved watching him play but he does look like a bit of a sulker. Maybe thinks he’s above a League 1 team? Would be nice to see him involved at a higher level again if there are any takers.

[nigel-harps1954]

He'll probably end up at Hibs or Hearts next, or someone else in Scotland.

[Charlie Darwin]

He'll probably end up at Hibs or Hearts next, or someone else in Scotland.
Celtic would sign him in a heartbeat. Regardless of whether he's good enough or not, they wouldn't be able to resist.

[seanfhear]

Rangers ? ! ? !

[Fixer82]

Have always loved watching him play but he does look like a bit of a sulker. Maybe thinks he’s above a League 1 team? Would be nice to see him involved at a higher level again if there are any takers.

He signed a new contract with Sunderland to remain in League One so can’t imagine its that.
Manager alluded to a few incidents but seems there was some bust up.

He’s their best player so it’s obviously not his football. Sounds like a serious clash with manager.
I remember him having a pop at Chris Coleman in the Sunderland docu about him not managing Lewis Grabban properly.
Definitely cam across as a team player though and wanting to see Sunderland succeed

[Fixer82]

What if he tears it up in the championship before March.
Does Mick call him up?

[John83]

Presumably he'll have a look in person if that's the case and consider whether it's worth it in the short and long term. It's literally his job to make those decisions in an informed and effective way.

[DeLorean]

Can't see it... although I'd like to see it.

[Fixer82]

Can't see it... although I'd like to see it.

Can’t see it either

[Diggs246]

Here is a question would people prefer McGeady or mclean V Slovakia

[Fixer82]

Here is a question would people prefer McGeady or mclean V Slovakia

They’re different players.
McClean is an absolute workhorse who will track back all day.

McGeady could be a handful for any defence when he’s on form. Which is sporadic.

McCarthy was a CB. So I’d say he’s a McClean loyalist

[Fixer82]

Is Aiden a bit of a Roy Keane?
Makes me think he may have been spurred on by Keane’s comments pre Euros 2016

https://www.balls.ie/football/aiden-mcgeady-sunderland-players-scared-444885

[elatedscum]

They had a very public falling out. Can’t remember where but McGeady was an unused sub in the first of two qualifiers and they made all the unused players go through an intense workout and McGeady was having none of it.