It is 12 years since Aiden McGeady left Celtic and Scottish soccer in a then report £9.5m transfer to Spartak Moscow.
At simply 24 and already with seven main honours beneath his belt, scores of Eire caps and the world at his toes the winger was each inch the celebrity.
A marquee signing maybe. Simply don’t counsel to the now 36-year-old that a dozen years later he's a marquee signing for Hibs.
McGeady sat down for his first in-depth interview since becoming a member of the Leith membership at their Algarve coaching base and poured over the choice to return north of the border and reunite with Lee Johnson.
The brand new Easter Street boss is on report saying the veteran winger has “nothing to show however so much to show” on his return to Scottish soccer.
McGeady reckons it’s Johnson taking part in thoughts video games however he does perceive the remark to a level.
Not least the actual fact he’s getting back from a medial ligament damage which noticed him spend the final six months on the sidelines at Sunderland and which he says had doubts creeping into his head as as to if he’d ever play once more.
Then there’s the connection with opposition followers, which McGeady admitted in an interview simply final month noticed his each kick booed - and far worse - at away grounds.
Twelve years on he insists he’s blissful to play the pantomime villain if it takes the flak off his youthful workforce mates. However marquee signing?
He stated: “How am I a marquee signing at 36 on a free switch?
“I do know what I’m able to however I simply by no means thought I’d be a marquee signing. That’s somebody who price three or 4 million kilos or a youthful participant.
“Clearly I’ve come again to Scotland. It’s 12 years since I left Celtic. So I’ve not performed within the league for a very long time.
“As for being a pantomime villain? I feel I do know what you’re saying. I've no drawback taking that mantle on as a result of now we have a really younger squad and that’s effective.
“I suppose I see it as a praise as a result of if away followers didn’t price you then you definitely wouldn’t get stick. However there’s extra to simply being a great participant than simply getting stick.
“After I left Celtic it was in all probability the fitting time for everyone. However I've at all times had the intention of shifting again to Scotland and settling down right here.
“I by no means felt the necessity to settle in England and have by no means lived anyplace the place I noticed myself spending the remainder of my life. I spoke somewhat bit to Shaun Maloney beforehand with the intention of coming this season. Sadly he misplaced his job.
“When there was speak of Lee Johnson getting the job I assumed it'd work out properly. All of the items fitted into place.”
McGeady loved the most effective of his 5 years at Sunderland beneath Johnson. The 2 clicked from the off on the Stadium of Mild.
So he will get the place his boss is coming from with the “nothing to show however so much to show” problem.
He stated: “I noticed the remark. I feel he’s possibly taking part in his thoughts video games with me! You’ve obtained nothing to show however if you happen to nonetheless have the starvation you've got every little thing to show.
“Proving to your self you'll be able to nonetheless do it due to the age I’m at. As an example if I get injured folks immediately say it’s due to my age but when a 24-year-old will get the identical damage it’s nothing to do along with his age. If I miss an opportunity it’s as a result of I’m previous it.
“Proving to myself and being the panto villain that I may very well be when taking part in away video games .. that’s probably what he means.”
The one-year deal signed every week in the past suggests Hibs need McGeady to show his health after so lengthy out.
He definitely misplaced none of his wing wizardry going by his 45 minute run out in opposition to Hartlepool on Wednesday. He’s anticipated to get the identical at this time in opposition to Burton Albion as Hibs wrap up their Algarve camp.
McGeady stated: “I’ve not performed since November after I tore my medial ligament and I had just a few setbacks at Sunderland.
"I really feel over it now. When it is your medial it is at all times a humorous one with footballers since you move the ball so much. I really feel good now. I felt I used to be in fairly a privileged place that I had curiosity at my age.
"There's that doubt in the back of your head, that you simply may need to retire, as a result of a workforce won't take you, otherwise you may need to go on trial someplace however as quickly as Lee Johnson obtained the job he was onto me immediately about coming in.
“I can solely see what occurs subsequent season. Ideally for me from a private perspective it will be to carry out in addition to I can, play as many video games as I can.
“One 12 months was effective for me and we’ll simply take this season because it comes. Hopefully we will end as excessive as attainable and have a great cup run, dare say win a cup, get to a last.
“The workforce obtained to the ultimate of the League Cup final season with a squad that’s appeared upon as having a nasty season final season. I don’t see what we will’t enhance on that this season.”
READ NEXT