Celtic star McGeady seeks his own magical Cup final moment

A YOUNG Aiden McGeady watched in awe as Paul McStay lifted the Tennent’s Scottish Cup aloft – and in that moment decided he too would be a Celtic player one day.

It was far from a vintage final in 1995, when a Pierre van Hooijdonk headed goal after nine minutes secured victory over Airdrie.

But it was enough to end Celtic’s six-year wait for silverware and it was more than enough to spark the imagination of a nine-year-old in the Hampden crowd.

Twelve years later, McGeady, 21, finally has the chance to get his own hands on the coveted trophy when Celtic take on Dunfermline today.

“I can remember that game was the first time I was really interested in football,” said the Parkhead winger.

“Tommy Burns was the manager and Van Hooijdonk scored a header against Airdrie, that’s the first time I can remember being really interested.

“It was a special moment but I had only really just got interested in football at that time so it was more special for my family.

“That was my first final as a fan and I was really young at the time.

“But watching the players lift the Scottish Cup and getting all the glory, that’s when I thought to myself, ‘I fancy doing that when I’m a bit older’.”

McGeady’s involvement in cup finals has been limited so far and that is why he is determined to have a significant role to play today, as the Scottish champions chase a domestic double.

“It would mean a lot,” he said. “The last two cup finals I’ve been involved in, I’ve been a bit-part player. So it would mean a lot to me this year if I was playing and got my hands on the trophy.”

He added: “I’ve probably played more games than I have done in previous seasons and I’ve stamped my authority a little bit more on the team.

“It’s up to the manager what he does. The cup final is a game I want to play in but there are lots of players vying for places as well.”

Dunfermline will still be licking their wounds after losing a courageous battle to remain in the Bank of Scotland Premier League, and McGeady is well aware the Scottish Cup final could be the ideal platform for the Pars to recover from their relegation hangover.

“There’s no room for complacency at all,” he said. “Dunfermline were on a decent run until they lost the game that got them relegated.

“It’s a cup final so there is everything to play for and nothing to lose, really.’’

Celtic’s own form has suffered a much-publicised slump, particularly since wrapping up the title last month, but McGeady is confident the competitive edge will return in time. He added: “It’s up to ourselves because we know we haven’t been playing well.

“We have to get back to winning ways and the cup final is the best place to do that.”