Jagielka: Martinez will get best out of McGeady

Everton captain Phil Jagielka has admitted the environment and the style of football played by Roberto Martinez’s side can continue to get the best out of Aiden McGeady.

Speaking ahead of their opening match in the Europa League against Wolfsburg tonight (live on Setanta Ireland, ITV4, 8.05pm), the Blues skipper hailed McGeady’s impressive recent form and claims that Martinez’s style of football will ensure there are more impressive displays to come from the Irishman.

Jagielka told the Irish Examiner: “Aido (Aiden McGeady) came in last year just after Christmas after having a long time off, and he would be the first to admit it took him a bit of time to settle in, but he’s started the season fantastically well. The environment that we have created here over many years — and the manager coming in and his flavour on top of that — as footballers you play better when you feel comfortable in your surroundings.”

McGeady already has a goal and a couple of assists for Everton this campaign and his man-of-the-match display for Ireland away to Georgia ensured his country made the perfect start to their Euro 2016 qualification group. The former Celtic winger has been criticised in the past for letting his frustration get the better of him but Jagielka believes that could be a thing of the past under the stewardship of Roberto Martinez.

Lille and Russians Kuban Krasnodar are the other teams that make up Group H and Martinez, who will be managing in Europe for the first time, thinks the games are what his team needs.

Martinez said: “We’re very excited, we’ve been working hard for 12 months to achieve this opportunity. ”