Aide was made for greatness

Aug 17 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

WILLO FLOOD knew the minute he saw Aiden McGeady he was watching a world-class talent in the making.

Last season he was proved right as the 22-year-old Irish winger bewildered defences and helped steer Celtic to three-in-a-row.

But the Dundee United midfielder insists gaffer Craig Levein WON'T have any special instructions for Arabs players before they face McGeady and the champions today at Tannadice.

Flood says United's full-backs will simply have to prove their worth by stopping the player he reckons is the best in the country.

The on-loan Cardiff City star first met McGeady at a Republic of Ireland U-21 training session.

And within minutes he could tell the Hoops wide man was going to be extra special.

Flood said: "I played with Aiden in the U-21s and you could see right away he was going to be a top player.

"I realised he had unbelievable ability and as soon as he broke into the first team at Celtic it was clear he would set the SPL alight.

"He's a lot stronger physically now and you can see he has worked on defending - he makes more tackles than he used to.

"Aiden has developed his all-round game and he's now the best player in the league.

"But we won't really discuss how to stop him. We have good fullbacks and it's their job to defend well against players like Aiden.

"Of course you have to be prepared for Aiden getting past you because he can terrorise any full-back in the world.

"I haven't seen much of Celtic over the summer but whatever team they put out will have quality and they will come here for three points and nothing less.

"We played well against them last year, even on the night they clinched the league.

"But that shows how good they are - we performed well but still couldn't manage a draw never mind a win. We'll have to play even better just to get a point this time."

Flood was a revelation for United last season on loan from the Championship outfit. So much so that Levein, chairman Eddie Thompson and Arabs fans were desperate to get him back.

Next summer he'll be a free agent and available on a Bosman.

And the 23-year-old dropped the biggest hint yet he may be willing to stay on Tayside long-term - if Levein is still in charge of the club.

Willo said: "The loan deal has worked really well for me and the club, that's why I came back.

"We had a good season and there's so much potential here.

"The manager has brought in a lot of good players and I believe we can kick on and do even better.

"I don't know where I'll end up when the loan finishes though.

"At the end of the season I'll sit down with my agent and my missus and see what's on offer.

"But if the manager is still here there's a great chance we could come to an agreement.

"It was a big thing to know the fans and the chairman wanted me to stick around.

"Eddie went out of his way to get me back which meant a lot.

"But Craig was the main influence. After playing under him I know how good he is and how much he developed me."