Aiden McGeady: ‘I know a lot of people who retired too early’

A free agent at 37, the former Ireland international winger is still adamant he can keep playing. But he's planning for the next phase of his life too

KEEP ON KEEPING ON: Aiden McGeady arrives during a cinch Premiership match between St Mirren and Hibernian at the SMISA Stadium, on February 04 , 2023, in Paisley, Scotland. Pic: Roddy Scott/SNS Group via Getty Images

Aiden McGeady is one of the most talented Scottish footballing exports of a generation but destined never to be regarded as such. His decision to represent the Republic of Ireland had the strange knock-on effect of deleting his name from conversation regarding the finest products of youth systems – in this case Celtic’s – in his homeland.

It could have been a case of enjoying McGeady while he lasted. Now 37 and after a spell at Hibernian was curtailed by injury, he finds himself at a career crossroads. McGeady has the appetite to keep playing but understands his options may be limited. “I know how it looks,” he says. “At my age it’s a hard sell for a manager. ‘Let’s go and sign a 37-year-old who hasn’t really played for a year.’ I’m totally fit now, I was training right up until expiry of my contract at Hibs on 30 June.