'I deserve my chance': McGeady

Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady is aiming to seal a permanent place in the Republic of Ireland starting line-up after a superb performance in the 4-0 win over Denmark.

The 21-year-old McGeady has made only four starts for the Republic since making his international debut as a substitute against Jamaica three years ago.

But the Glasgow-born McGeady is now pressing for a place in next month’s European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic after seizing his chance against the Danes.

McGeady, featuring in an experimental midfield missing the likes of Lee Carsley and Stephen Ireland, played a role in all four of the Republic’s goals.

McGeady said: “Obviously you want to show the manager what you’re all about and you want to

impress on every opportunity you get. Hopefully I have done myself justice.

“I have never really had a run in the first team and only started a few games, so I’m looking to get a run now. It was great to be left on and play the full 90 minutes.”

Injuries permitting, McGeady is a certainty to make boss Steve Staunton’s squad for the double-header, which is due to be announced in Dublin next Tuesday.

He began the move which led to Robbie Keane’s opener then crossed to set up Keane’s second.

McGeady’s lay-off to Darron Gibson set up the third then his neat pass enabled Shane Long to complete the rout.

And the manner of the victory will certainly send the Republic into the qualifiers in good heart. They realistically need at least four points to maintain their Group D challenge.

McGeady added: “We have got two hard games coming up, but I think that with the performance tonight we can take a lot going into them and it gives us a great boost.

“It is good to have competition for places now and it is keeping us all on our toes. Robbie and Shane took their goals well and Steve told us it was a really good performance.”

Keane also said the manner of the Republic’s victory – easily the best of Staunton’s time in charge – had shattered their reputation as poor travellers at the right time.

“We’ve got a few decent results at home but that has certainly been our best away performance,” said Keane. “The win was the most important thing because it gives us confidence.”