Aiden Can Be Legend For Irish

Feb 24 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

DAVID VAN ZANTEN believes Celtic winger Aiden McGeady can emulate Irish great Liam Brady and be hailed as one of Ireland's best ever talents.

The St Mirren defender will come face to face with compatriot McGeady this afternoon at Love Street.

Van Zanten had just been shown the door at Parkhead when the twinkle-toed 16-year-old was breaking through.

But he has watched McGeady's progress with interest, particularly his performances for the Republic of Ireland who he chose to play for ahead of Scotland.

Van Zanten reckons the little magician's reputation soared after his display against Brazil in a friendly last month.

And he's now convinced the Hoops star can be a pivotal player in Ireland's future under new Italian boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

David said: "Aiden's a few years younger than me - his first year at Celtic was my last. But I know everyone in Ireland rates him highly. They feel lucky to have got him ahead of Scotland.

"His performances for the Irish team have helped him, especially the game against Brazil.

They now realise he can be a huge part of Ireland's future and the team they're building.

"As a full-back I know how difficult it is to handle him but you just have to persevere.

"You need help from your team-mates to double up. If he gets you one on one you're in trouble because he can go inside or out.

"People speak about Brady being arguably Ireland's greatest player but I think if Aiden keeps progressing he'll be mentioned in the same breath.

"He has to keep being consistent in the next few years but going on his form this season he can do that."

Van Zanten admits he'd love to join McGeady in the Irish set-up after representing his country at youth level.

The 25-year-old - who has a Dutch dad - is hoping to at least force his way into the Republic's B side which includes Dundee United pair Noel Hunt and Sean Dillon.

He said: "I've played at youth level and it's encouraging that guys like Noel and Sean have made the B squad - I'd love to join them.

"It's a new regime with Trapattoni coming in - the only problem is he'll never know I'm Irish with my name!"

David has recently been made Buddies skipper by Gus MacPherson ahead of club stalwart Hugh Murray.

He has had a fantastic few seasons at Love Street and is grateful just to be involved in the game after his Celtic dream turned sour.

Instead of feeling envious of old mate Stephen McManus who captained the Hoops in their midweek clash with Barcelona, David reckons he's lucky to still be playing football.

As he prepared to face his former club he said: "I was in the same age group as McManus at Celtic.

"Of course I would like to have been in his position facing Barcelona but I consider myself lucky just to be playing at this level for St Mirren.

"Five years ago I was out of a job when Celtic released me and I came here on trial. I know a few guys from Celtic who were freed like me and aren't involved in football at all now."