I'll Fill Naka's Boots

Nov 4 2007 By Mark Guidi

McGeady Plea To Take The Lead Role Against Benfica

AIDEN McGEADY last night insisted he can fill Shunsuke Nakamura's boots and be Celtic's European hero on Tuesday against Benfica.

With the Japanese star rated just 50-50 by Gordon Strachan to be fit, McGeady reckons he can provide the creative spark to unlock the Portuguese defence at Parkhead.

The Republic of Ireland winger was in fantastic form yesterday as Celtic stayed top of the SPL with a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock.

Scott McDonald's first-half double made it a comfortable day for the Hoops although Frazer Wright's 55th-minute header forced them to hold on. The win lifted spirits ahead of the Champions League tie and McGeady has begged gaffer Strachan to let him loose against Benfica.

The 21-year-old reckons he's ready to take on Europe's big guns now that he's relying less on tricks and flicks to hurt opponents.

McGeady said: "I feel I can knock the ball past players now and use my pace to make things happen.

"In the past I was more concerned about skill and a trick.

"I don't know if I'm faster now - maybe it's all in my head. I'm feeling confident and want to start against Benfica. But that's up to the boss."

McGeady has netted just once this season and would love to add to his tally in the Euro clash after blowing a great late chance at Rugby Park.

He said: "My goalscoring record this term is quite disappointing.

"I had a chance at the end of the game and all I had to do was hit the target but I shot wide.

"It's a must-win game against Benfica and wewill be confident with the fans behind us. Scott McDonald is scoring in every match and his partnership with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink looked good. I hope I can provide chances for them."

Strachan was delighted with McDonald after the Aussie took his tally to 13 for the season.

He said: "It could have been more for Scott but his all-round play was superb.

"The front two were excellent and I think that's why Killie played three in defence after the break.

"They linked up well and are brave boys.

"I was delightfully surprised with our first-half performance."

Strachan hopes Nakamura will be fit in time for the Benfica match but said: "He only has a 50 per cent chance.

"Naka hasn't been on the training field."

The Hoops boss was also concerned by Killie's goal as keeper Artur Boruc came out for a free-kick and got nowhere near the ball.

He said: "We spoke to Artur and said 'The guys in front of you are giants. If someone can get up above them to score from 15 yards it's going to be some header.'

"Artur understands that. I think he just wants to get into action now and then."

Killie boss Jim Jefferies was disappointed with the result and ripped into his team for their first-half show.

He said: "I was irate at the break and tore into the players. I made substitutions and changed our system.

"I can't praise my players highly enough for their performance in the second half but we must learn from the goals we conceded."