Fulfilling his eastern promise

The first thought to flash through Aiden McGeady’s mind when the pain shot through his ankle at Spartak Moscow’s Spanish training camp earlier this month was that his dream of playing in this summer’s European Championships was over.

The 25-year old winger had suffered a similar injury last year — even the pain was identical — which had kept him inactive for three months but the diagnosis of his latest misfortune offered relief in the form of a 10-day sick note.

“Straight away you were thinking ‘I can imagine missing the Euros’ but it’s all fine. It’s never happened to me before because I’ve never been in this position, qualifying for a major tournament. That would be your worst nightmare. Touch wood, you avoid injury.”