Aiden McGeady will be a top Premiership star if he continues improvement, says Aliadiere

Jul 27 2008 By Mark Guidi

JEREMIE ALIADIERE reckons Celtic wing king Aiden McGeady's continued improvement will see him join the likes of Manchester United or Arsenal.

Middlesbrough's French striker worked with McGeady during a six-week loan spell at Parkhead three years ago.

Aliadiere has been impressed with the Republic of Ireland winger's rapid progress and saw his talents last week in Boro's 1-1 draw with the Hoops in Algarve.

Spurs and Newcastle have already expressed an interest and Aliadiere is sure there will be bigger and better clubs trying to jump the queue for the player who recently signed a new deal until 2013.

The former Arsenal striker said: "When I was at Celtic Aiden wasn't starting games all the time and wasn't a regular pick.

"But he is now involved every week and doing well at a high level. I watched him last season playing in the Champions League and he is a quality player.

"He has the talent to make an impact in the Premiership and could go on to star for a big club in England - Aiden is the type of player Arsene Wenger likes.

"But I also see Celtic as a big club and it must be great for Aiden and the other players to know they have Champions League football every season."

Aliadiere played with some top widemen during his time at Arsenal and as a striker knows the worth of quality balls in the box.

He said: "Aiden can beat players and send in good deliveries.

"I used to see Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp doing it week in week out for Arsenal at the highest level for 10 years.

"I'm not saying Aiden is at their level because it is difficult to compare but he has similar attributes such as a nice first touch, good ability and great technique."

Aliadiere regrets that things didn't work out for him at Parkhead but felt it was best to go after Gordon Strachan couldn't guarantee him a starting place.

He moved to Boro last year for £2million and said: "My memories of Celtic are that it was a massive club with great fans. I just wish I could have been there longer.

"But I'm at Middlesbrough now and enjoyed my first season with them. I hope to do even better in this campaign and help the club really push for a place in Europe."