McGeady craving more playing time

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady has thanked Bhoys legend Henrik Larsson for serving up a Champions League tonic.

Barcelona striker Larsson's second-half arrival as a substitute in the Champions League final against Arsenal proved to be one of the turning points of the game at Paris' Stade de France last Wednesday.

Larsson set up both of Barcelona's goals as the Primera Liga side came from a goal down to beat the Gunners 2-1 and lift the trophy.

Barcelona's victory means Celtic automatically qualify for the group stages of next season's competition, avoiding the prospect of another qualifying nightmare as they experienced last season.

McGeady, part of a 26-strong Republic of Ireland squad based in the Algarve for a four-day training camp, said: "He came on and changed the game, and he did us a massive favour.

"We didn't really want to play in a Champions League qualifier like last year, and we didn't want the same thing to happen again.

"When I look back on that qualifying game against Artmedia Bratislava it was a horrible feeling - the worst of my career to date.

"I remember when we were 1-0 down at half-time I was thinking 'what a poor result this is', then bang, it was 5-0."

McGeady is now determined to play his part in next season's Champions League, firmly believing Gordon Strachan's side have what it takes to match Rangers' achievement of making it into the knockout phase.

"If we could get through the group stage that would be good," added McGeady. "Rangers did it last season, but we're a better team than they are right now and we want to prove that."

McGeady at least feels Rangers will mount a stronger challenge in the Scottish Premier League next season than they did last term, finishing 18 points adrift of Celtic in third place.

"I think they will improve," confirmed McGeady. "With their new manager in Paul Le Guen, they've someone who has a proven track record, and with a bit of money to spend there will be more players coming in too."

With the domestic season over, McGeady's immediate aim is to push his way into the thoughts of Republic manager Steve Staunton.

McGeady missed out on Staunton's first game in charge, a 3-0 victory over Sweden on March 1st, but has a chance of adding to his three caps going into Wednesday's friendly with Chile at Lansdowne Road.

McGeady is certainly determined over the next few years to make his mark at international level, adding: "My first step is to get a few games.

"My total playing time, in winning my three caps, is not even half an hour. I've had just a few minutes here and there.

"Even when I made my debut I came on with only minutes left and that was disappointing, particularly as I was playing really well at the time for Celtic.

"But that was Brian Kerr's decision. Obviously, I was disappointed, but there was nothing I could really do about it. I wasn't really angry because I still played for my country and won a cap. But I'd like to get more playing time. That's the goal."  PA