I justified Burns' faith in me... now I'll do the same with Trapattoni, says McGeady

It is a task the winger will embrace inspired by the enduring influence of the late, great Tommy Burns.

McGeady left a heartfelt message of thanks on the back of one of his Celtic jerseys when the Parkhead legend lost his brave battle with cancer a fortnight ago.

Eager to impress: Celtic's Aiden McGeady (right) aims to please Trapattoni after learning so much from Burns

And, after being named in the Republic of Ireland side to face Colombia tomorrow evening, he revealed how Burns had predicted 10 months ago that he would end this campaign as Scotland's Player of the Year.

That honour was duly bestowed on McGeady by his fellow professionals and he linked up with the Republic squad having also celebrated Celtic's storming finish to the SPL that clinched a third successive title.

The 22-year-old's form for Ireland has not yet hit the same heights as that produced for his club, but new national coach Trapattoni has made it abundantly clear that he views McGeady as an indispensable part of his plans.

It all goes to confirm the past year as the most incredible of McGeady's young career. How much Burns contributed to his remarkable rise is not, however, something he will ever allow himself to forget.

"I was always very close to Tommy. He was the one taking me aside and saying to me: 'Do this, do that'," said McGeady. "He was always a big help to me. I remember, at the start of the season, he said to me: 'This could be the season you win Player of the Year.'

"With his help, I did it. I owe him an awful lot. To be honest, I probably wouldn't be where I am today without his help.

"He was always one to take me aside in training to practise on things I could improve on, like crossing and finishing. It's funny, it only seems like a couple of months ago that he was on the training ground.

"It's still difficult to get my head around it."

Aiden McGeady (in white) joins Celtic team-mates to lay a wreath for Tommy Burns at Celtic Park, Glasgow last week

McGeady's Celtic duties meant that Monday's training session was the first time he had joined the Republic squad since Trapattoni was appointed.

Word of the 69-year-old's high regard for his ability had, though, filtered back to Glasgow to leave him feeling highly flattered.

Along with Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Shay Given and Richard Dunne, McGeady is one of the elite band whom the former Italy, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich coach expects to inspire Ireland to the 2010 World Cup.

"I heard him a while ago when he was on Sky Sports News and the way he was talking was very encouraging," said McGeady. "You want to impress the new manager but the fact that he already knows about you and seems quite impressed is sort of half the battle won.

"He hasn' t seen me at close quarters yet, but it's very encouraging that he sees me in his plans. He seems an ordinary enough guy. From what I've gathered, his training looks enjoyable, he has got a good manner and all of the players have taken pretty well to him."

Expressive: Giovanni Trapattoni gestures during the friendly against Serbia at Croke Park

A controversial aspect of the new regime is the presence of former Celtic manager Liam Brady as one of Trapattoni's assistants.

Brady was cutting in some of the criticism dished out to certain Republic players, McGeady included, during his time as a media pundit. The Parkhead man is, though, keen to brush aside any suggestions of a lingering problem.

"To be honest, it's just a job Liam had to do," said McGeady. "He is paid to give his views on the game. 'If he thought a player wasn't performing, he would say it. We are all grown-ups and we can deal with it. I've not been in the squad for the last 10 days, so I've not seen Liam yet, but I'm sure I'll get on great with him."

McGeady has been troubled by some knee discomfort in recent weeks but is confident that will not prevent him making a positive impression on Trapattoni in the match against the South Americans at Fulham's Craven Cottage.

"It has been bothering me for a few weeks but it's not too bad," insisted McGeady. "It seems to flare up after games. I had a couple of days' rest after Celtic's game against Dundee United on Thursday. I then came back on Sunday and had a word with the physios. They were fine with it and I've trained without any problems.

"It's basically the ligaments underneath my kneecap. It gets quite sore, but only after games."