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Football

06th Jan 2016

Aiden McGeady’s hopes of Celtic return before Euro 2016 dashed

Pricey

Patrick McCarry

McGeady needs games but he won’t be getting them in Scotland.

Celtic would love to get the winger back and Martin O’Neill would love for him to be playing regular football.

Everton, however, are not budging on the 29-year-old’s wages.

Celtic, where McGeady spent nine fruitful years, had enquired about securing McGeady on a six-month loan deal but The Toffees are not willing to subsidise his wages.

There is said to be interest in McGeady from a number of Championship sides but it is highly doubtful if any of them could cover his wages, reportedly £50,000 a week.

McGeady featured prominently in the early stages of Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign but has only played one match [League Cup] for Everton this season.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez was asked about McGeady at his Tuesday press briefing but told reporters he had no updates for them.

Back in December, O’Neill spoke with Off The Ball about players needing game time before this summer’s tournament.

He commented, “Far be it from me to turn around and tell players, ‘listen, you’ve got to tell clubs what you’re going to do’. That is not the case… Players do need time on the field. These next few months, certainly after Christmas, in the lead-up to France, players do need to play. I can only choose so many players and fitness does play on your mind.”

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