McGeady: I'l learn from the greats at Euro 2008

Jun 1 2008 Exclusive By Mark Guidi

AIDEN McGEADY will watch Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben light up Euro 2008 this month - and pray he gets a chance to shine at the 2010 World Cup.

The talented Celtic star will take a keen interest in how the wide boys play this summer and expects them to have a key role in deciding the champions.

McGeady has nothing but admiration for them all - but reserves special respect for Ronaldo and is sure he can fire Portugal to success in Austria and Switzerland.

In an exclusive interview with MailSport the Republic of Ireland winger said: "The cream of European talent will be involved and every football fan will be in for a treat in the next few weeks.

"Every country will feel they have a chance but I have a sneaky feeling for Portugal. And that's down to one man - Ronaldo.

"He is on fire at the moment. He has scored 42 goals for Manchester United this season and has set incredibly high standards.

"Ronaldo has taken the skill factor to a new level in the past 12 months and it gives all the rest of us something to aspire to.

"But he is not a one-man team and to have a chance of winning at Euro 2008 your side must have a strong nucleus.

"Portugal have Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Tiago and Simao. A lot of talent.

"And their coach is a man who can do it.

Felipe Scolari has won the World Cup with Brazil and can also win this one with Portugal.

"The Portuguese came quite close in 2004 when they were beaten 1-0 by Greece in the final. Then at the 2006 World Cup they were fourth after losing to France in the semis and facing Germany in the third-place play-off.

"This could be their time. And if Ronaldo is on form they will take some stopping."

McGeady expects a feast of top football and will keep a close eye on the other stars. He said: "Ribery has been excellent for Bayern Munich and will want to show he can dominate matches on the highest stage.

"Robben is another player I have a lot of time for. He has lovely close control and ability to cruise past players. He may well be Holland's main man.

"France and Holland could have a say in it. But the Dutch tend to underachieve on the big stage, much the same as Spain.

"I look forward to seeing how they all perform and only wish I was in Switzerland and Austria playing in this tournament at this level."

The Republic of Ireland last played in a major finals in 2002 at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Mick McCarthy was in charge but as far as Ireland are concerned that tournamentwas best remembered for Roy Keane walking out before a ball was kicked.

Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton have been in charge since but neither led his country to glory. However, the FAI showed their determination to get back on the big boys' stage by splashing out around s750,000 a year to land veteran coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

McGeady worked with the Italian for the first time last week as they defeated Colombia 1-0 - and was impressed.

The PFA Player of the Year said: "When you look back at our previous two campaigns our results have just not been good enough.

"Losing late goals was a real blow - they either cost us a victory or a draw.

"It shows the level you must perform at and concentration you need to succeed at international level.

"Our new manager has an excellent track record and led Juventus to the European Cup back in 1985.

"To still be going strong 23 years later is incredible.

"I enjoyed working with him for a few days and am optimistic about what we can achieve. Our aim is to get to the 2010 World Cup Finals. I want to be there and sample that stage.

"Playing in the Champions League is the best club football has to offer.

"My next aim is to reach a major finals at international level. I'd love the experience of being in a competition for three or four weeks.

"It would be a mental test to be away with a group for so long and also trying to peak in four or five or six games in such a short space of time.

"It's a challenge I want and I hope I get it in two years' time.

"We have a squad capable of getting us there. The manager has good ideas and over time will get his messages across.

"His command of the English language is improving and that is a benefit for us all.

"We'll see what happens but this time next year I hope we'll be on course for South Africa."