SOCCER EXTRA : McGeady's new deal
SOCCER EXTRA : McGeady's new deal
CELTIC and Ireland starlet Aiden McGeady has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal after Martin O'Neill kept his vow not to lose another precocious emerald talent.
The 18-year-old broke into the Bhoys' first team towards the end of last season. He scored on his debut against Hearts on April 25 and then made his senior international debut in the Unity Cup against Jamaica earlier this month.
"I am delighted to have committed myself to Celtic for the next four years," said the Glasgow-born striker who opted to declare for the land of his Donegal-born grandparents.
The latest teenage prodigy is now hoping to make progress on the international front. "It's strange to be working with all these big stars like Roy Keane and find that they're so down to earth.
"The whole thing was amazing. I could never have expected to be making my international debut so soon and it was something I will never forget."
Ian Harte, meanwhile, could soon be on his way to Valencia. Claudio Ranieri, the Spanish champions' new manager, i swell aware of Harte's ability from his time as Chelsea coach and is considering making an unlikely move for the Drogheda man.
Harte's reputation has dipped somewhat recently - he is no longer assured of a place on the Irish team, while his dramatic slump in form at club level has mirrored Leeds' fortunes.
Following their relegation from the Premiership, Leeds are keen to trim their wage bill by off-loading some of their highest earners - including set-piece expert Harte, who was linked to Barcelona and Inter Milan two years ago.
Leeds, meanwhile, have signed defender Paul Butler from Wolves and striker Julian Joachim from Coventry.
* DERRY CITY have cooled their interest in luring former boss Felix Healy back to the Brandywell following Paul Diamond's decision not to join the board. Former Waterford United manager Jimmy McGeough is now the favourite to replace Gavin Dykes.
David Kelly
