Fighting off English suitors is nothing new for Celtic star McGeady

Not much has changed for Aiden McGeady - except, of course, the addition of several dozen zeroes to his value.

The winger, who effectively put the kybosh on any imminent cross-border move by signing a new five-year contract with Celtic this summer, was unlikely to have his head turned by close season talk of emigrating to the world's richest league. 

All grown up: McGeady has matured since his breakthrough

For the 22-year-old, it's nothing new. Recalling an adolescence spent being pursued by United, the Gunners, Everton and Blackburn, among others, McGeady said: 'I always seemed to be down in England. I must have trained with Arsenal 13 times and I was pretty close to signing for them. I liked Manchester United, as well.

'At the time, though, Celtic had a really good youth system and I felt it was best to stay at home. My dad left home at 16 and I wanted to stay in Glasgow. Celtic was the best place for me.

'I was a fan and I felt there was a better chance of playing in the first team. My mum and dad were always there for me, but they made sure it was my decision.'

Commendable parenting, considering some of the incentives often laid in front of families boasting an outstanding young talent. 

It is almost inconceivable that, in the case of McGeady, there weren't a few attractive packages intended to entice the entire clan south, with the key to a family home said to have been waiting if he committed to the Gunners.

Six years on from finally rejecting Arsenal's advances, the decision to stay with Celtic appears to have been an inspired choice for both player and club.

McGeady has blossomed in the past year and, having played a part in three consecutive championship successes, his aim is simple. Bring on number four.

'This could be a historic season if everything goes well,' he told this week's Celtic View.

'Every season at Celtic is massive, but the last few years have been special. To be part of a Celtic team to win three titles in a row was incredible. This season, the title takes on even more significance because we are all determined to make it four.'

Direct qualification for the group stage of the Champions League, in stark contrast to last season's trials and the current scenario facing main title rivals Rangers, is a definite boon.

McGeady said: 'I'm delighted that we don't have to qualify for the Champions League. It's a massive bonus because it can be a rollercoaster ride. Last year, we got Spartak Moscow. They were a quality side and that was just to qualify for the Champions League. Thankfully, we don't have to worry about that.

'It might also help us with the league. We know that we only have one game a week until the Champions League starts, so that should be better for us.'

On a personal front, McGeady will hope to carry on where he left off last season - and continue the work started under the tutelage of dad John, who taught him some rather important early lessons.

'I always worked on both feet because my dad used to tell me he never worked on his left foot enough,' he recalled. 'He always wished he had done that and advised me to do it. I was right-footed but was always working on my left.

'I worked on turns, too, and I would go out of my way to practice tricks. I would watch players and try to copy them. I had a Maradona video and would try to do the same tricks he did. Not that it was easy, because he was on a different planet.

'I always had a football with me and, if I had a spare five minutes, I would be outside with a ball. It was hard sometimes as I got older. I realised that some of my friends weren't into football as much as me. I would go round to ask if they were coming out, but they just wanted to play on the computer.'

Should any of those friends still be into their computer games, they can now be reunited with McGeady - or at least a graphic interpretation of their old chum - at the click of a button.

They might even twiddle a few knobs and slot him into the Arsenal or Manchester United team on their screen, just for kicks. And without having to shell out £10million.