McManus praise for McGeady

Celtic captain Stephen McManus spoke in glowing terms of matchwinner Aiden McGeady after the 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica.

Winger McGeady had an outstanding match and hit the deflected winning strike just before half-time as Celtic took their points tally to six from four games.

McManus believes McGeady is becoming increasingly important to the Celtic cause, and it was his flair which troubled Benfica repeatedly throughout the Group D clash.

McManus said: “A lot of people have commented on his final ball at times, but until you work with the guy you (cannot) realise how much ability he’s got and he’s going to be a top, top player.”

Reflecting on the significance of victory, which gives Celtic a chance of reaching the last 16, McManus added on ITV1 Scotland: “It was quite big.

“We’re still in with a chance which was the most important thing and we look forward to the next game.”

Shakhtar Donetsk, who beat Celtic 2-0 in Ukraine in both teams’ group opener, will be the next European opponents for Gordon Strachan’s side in three weeks’ time.

The good news for Celtic is that Scott Brown should be fit for the game despite being caught by a vicious challenge from Benfica’s Augustin Binya.

Binya was red-carded and Brown praised the decision to dismiss the Cameroonian.

He added: “It was painful at the time but afterwards I got back up, had a wee run, and it was still kind of sore so I sat back down again, went off and somebody else came on.

“I should be fine. We’ll be in training tomorrow so I should be fine for that.”

Brown believes Celtic are back on course for qualification following the disappointment last month of losing 1-0 to Benfica in Lisbon.

“It’s one of the biggest results we’ve had,” he said.

“It puts us right back in. It’s a good position for us for the next game.”