McGeady turned down Fergie for Hoops

Aiden McGeady has revealed he turned down Alex Ferguson in order to join his boyhood heroes Celtic.

The Manchester United manager was interested in taking the Glasgow-born Republic of Ireland international to Old Trafford and McGeady even met Ferguson when he was being courted by the Old Trafford side.

McGeady was just 13 at the time and seriously considered joining United but admits the pull of Celtic was too strong.

The 22-year-old will get the opportunity to show Ferguson what he missed out on as Celtic take on Manchester United in a pre-season friendly at Parkhead tonight.

McGeady said: “I came close to signing for Manchester United when I was a kid but it seems a long time ago.

“But, when I came to Celtic and heard what they had to say, my mind was made up.

“I didn’t want anyone else phoning me because I was a Celtic fan and I was impressed with what George Adams and Eric Black had to say.

“They were in charge of the youth set-up at the time and my mind was made up when I met them.

“United were serious and I had a few meetings with Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I was only 13 though so he talked mostly to my parents.

“It was exciting but my heart was set on Celtic.

“I considered joining United but I didn’t really want to leave home, plus it’s very difficult for a young player to break into the first team at Old Trafford.

“Only Darren Fletcher has really done that in recent years and I knew I’d have a better chance to establish myself at Celtic.

“Thankfully, that’s the way things worked out for me.

“Sir Alex has never said anything me to since.”

McGeady scored the winner in Celtic’s only pre-season win so far when they defeated Everton 1-0 on Sunday.

The Hoops have struggled during pre-season but McGeady is confident they will be ready for the Bank of Scotland Premier League opener against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

He said: “The win on Sunday took a bit of pressure off us.

“It was our first friendly win under Gordon Strachan and we were happy to get it.

“Everton gave us a real test but we came through it. The real thing is etting closer and closer and we’re getting better and better.

“We know this season will be a massive test for us because Rangers and Hearts have strengthened in the summer.

“But I believe we’ll be ready and we’ll definitely improve on our pre-season.

“We need to show against Manchester United we are on course to get things right for the start of the season.”

Portsmouth are lining up another bid for Stilian Petrov and although the Bulgarian’s departure would present McGeady with more opportunities in the first-team McGeady hopes he remains at Parkhead.

He said: “It would be easier for me to get into the team if Stan goes, but, from a fan’s point of view and a players’ point of view, I want him to stay.

“Only he can decide what happens and I honestly don’t know what might happen before the start of the season.”

McGeady remains confident Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will add to the squad before the transfer window closes.

He said: “I think the manager is looking to add a bit of experience and he’s looking to add a big target man after losing John Hartson.

“Some people say we’re losing our physical presence up front and there were times in America when I thought we could have done with it.

“But whatever happens the players will back the managers decision.”