Ireland boss cautions McGeady

By Zain Alvi | 6th August 2010

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni realizes that a move to Spartak Moscow could turn out to be an exciting challenge for talented winger Aiden McGeady but the Italian has still made it a point to remind the Celtic player about the downside of playing club football in Russia.

According to Trap, the vastly different style of Russian football as well as the challenges of adjusting to life so far away from home can hinder the development of McGeady.

Therefore, ahead of next Wednesday’s highly anticipated friendly against Argentina, Trapattoni wants to speak with McGeady about the proposed move away from Britain.

“I am happy for him for this opportunity, but I wish to speak with him and clarify his position and speak with him about my experience,” the Ireland manager told the Irish Examiner.

“I think Russia is too far and the championship is not easy. I wish to ask him if he is ready psychologically, because McGeady is a very sensitive man and he is very young. For him, it is maybe a great opportunity and I think I will be happy if he is sure he wants to go,” he added.

When asked if he prefers for McGeady to stay in close proximity to Ireland, Trap responded: “Yes, Scotland or England or even a European team. For example, Bayern Munich and other teams have asked me about him.

“I think now I will not say ‘don’t go’ but I would like him to say ‘I have decided to go’. If he’s convinced, okay. But I have seen it in Portugal, for example, where players go far away and they get homesick,” the 71-year old concluded.