Facing Aiden McGeady left me a wreck, admits Kirk Broadfoot

Apr 13 2008 By Gavin Berry

HONEST Kirk Broadfoot last night admitted putting the shackles on Aiden McGeady for 90 minutes in the last Old Firm crunch left him physically and mentally drained.

The Light Blues defender was playing his first Glasgow derby and going toe-to-toe with Player of the Year contender McGeady made it an even more daunting baptism.

And Broadfoot reckons that was enough to have all eyes - including those of his team-mates - on the right back in anticipation of a slip-up or being given the runaround by McGeady.

But the former St Mirren man helped Gers to a vital 1-0 win in last month's Ibrox showdown and reckons he's stronger for having come through the experience.

Kirk admitted chasing McGeady left him exhausted but now hopes to battle him again in the next Old Firm showdown at Parkhead on Wednesday.

Gers boss Walter Smith might look to call on the freshness of Broadfooot in midweek with the stopper sitting out today's Scottish Cup replay with Partick Thistle through suspension.

Broadfoot knew he'd have to be at his best against McGeady after watching the Republic of Ireland star give even the likes of Barcelona's Carlos Puyol a torrid time.

And as he prepares to face up to McGeady again, the 23-year-old said: "It was so difficult playing against Aiden, who is a top player.

"It was my first Old Firm game and people suspected Aiden would exploit the fact he is quicker than I am.

"You glance at the papers, read the columns and whatever and I reckon everyone thought that - even our players!

"He's a big part of their team and the way he was playing and scoring goals meant he would be a key man for Celtic.

"That gave me a bit of fire to try and do even better. You use things like that as motivation.

"McGeady is one of Celtic's main players and I was aware that if I didn't shut him down he could score or set one up.

"Of course he was a tough opponent, he is not up for player of the year for nothing but I enjoyed the challenge but if I'm honest Iwas absolutely shattered after the game.

"After the match I wasn't just physically f*****, I was mentally f***** too! I'm not going to lie about it, I was knackered.

"It was my Old Firm debut so nerves played a part as well. That certainly contributed to the mental tiredness.

"We kept a clean sheet and I felt I did reasonably well.

McGeady had the run on me a few times but there isn't a defender in the world who could say McGeady wouldn't give them a hard time.

"The obvious one was Puyol for Barcelona. Although he did well, McGeady still got past him a couple of times. If you can keep McGeady quiet you can do well against any player.

"I read an interview about Fernando Ricksen and he reckoned Old Firm games can destroy you for a season if you don't start well.

"That was motivation to go out and you take confidence from it.

The coaches told me I should take heart from the fact I did so well against such a top player.

"McGeady is totally different to the players I've come up against in Europe. I haven't faced anyone who has played so wide and direct against a full-back.

"In the UEFA Cup, Sporting Lisbon played with a wide man which we weren't expecting but that was different. McGeady is up there with the best I've come up against.

"In Europe we try and keep the back four tight but against Celtic I had to try and get out more.

"Before the game I did a bit of work with Kenny McDowall and Ally McCoist on how I was going to defend McGeady.

"I believe I did reasonably well but the key was getting out to him early. If I let him run at me he would have killed me."

Like the rest of the Celtic team, Broadfoot insists McGeady will be out to prove a point after their defeat at Ibrox which has almost certainly cost the Hoops their SPL crown.

Gordon Strachan's men are clinging to a slim hope they can retain the title but to do that they must beat Gers twice within the next month.

Broadfoot is desperate to play his part and said of this week's game: "Everyone wants to be involved in an Old Firm game at Parkhead.

"I'm suspended for the Partick Thistle match so I'll be fresh and ready for selection.

"The manager changed things in the last league game against Dundee United but hopefully I'll be back in the starting line-up.

"The pace in that Old Firm game was a lot quicker than I'm used to - it was amazing - but when you're up against your greatest rivals you're always up for it anyway.

"Aiden didn't score or set one up so he'll be fired up for this game in front of his own fans.

"If selected I will have to be at the top of my game.

"In training Nacho Novo was used against me with his lightning pace and that was the ideal preparation for Celtic."