McManus: McGeady row is ‘done and dusted’ for players

STEPHEN McManus has revealed Celtic’s players have discussed the escalating row between banned midfielder Aiden McGeady and the club — but he insisted they will not be adding to the furore.

Republic of Ireland international McGeady was excluded from the first team for a fortnight and fined two weeks’ wages for a dressing room bust-up with his manager Gordon Strachan after Saturday’s 1-1 Scottish Premier League draw with Hearts.

McGeady is awaiting formal notification of his punishment but is set to miss the SPL clashes with Falkirk and Rangers.

The player, reportedly “shocked” by the severity of his punishment, has made clear through his agent David Holbrook his intention to appeal the decision.

The issue has cast a shadow over the Parkhead club in recent days and is set to rumble on for months, unless 22-year-old McGeady is sold in the January transfer window.

However, Celtic skipper McManus insists the dressing room will not be getting involved.

“The way we look at it is that it’s done and dusted,” he said. “The club has issued a statement and so, as far we are concerned, it is done. I hope we win the game on Sunday, that’s the most important thing and that is all the players are looking forward to.

“I am not going to sit here and make any comment; that would not be fair to the team, the manager or Aiden.

“The players have had their opinion but it will stay with us, it will never come out, and the matter is done as far as we are concerned.

“We are concentrating on the games. If we let things like this affect us in the dressing, then we won’t win the league, so our only concern is winning football matches.”

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson insists the current negativity at Celtic surrounding the banning of McGeady can work in the Hoops’ favour in next week’s Old Firm derby.

“It can work the other way as well, it can make them stronger,” he said.

“I know there has been a lot of hype over the situation but that might bring them even closer together and make them more determined to beat us next week.

“They have proved over the last three years that they can deal with any situation. I wouldn’t be surprised if he played against us next week though. You just never know. But I will leave that to Celtic to sort out; that is nothing to do with me or Rangers.”

Asked the best way to resolve the ongoing situation at Parkhead, Ferguson said: “You will need to ask Aiden McGeady.”