Former Sunderland winger Aiden McGeady has lauded former teammate Neil.
The midfielder scored twice during Rangers’ 3-0 Scottish League Cup victory over Celtic on Sunday. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute before securing the win late on. His development on Wearside established the mental resilience needed to handle intense derby atmospheres. This high-pressure education was instrumental in delivering his Old Firm impact this weekend.
Thriving In Intense Derby Environments
McGeady admitted he playfully cautioned the 24-year-old against heading to Ibrox this summer. Speaking on the Go Football Radio Show, as covered by Ibrox News, McGeady reflects: “Even his performance yesterday, getting the ball, carrying it 30 or 40 yards, composure on it, his two finishes, but a player I think would have fit in at Celtic really well.”
The pair spent four years together at the Stadium of Light. The former Republic of Ireland international previously told the Daily Record that his former colleague is “totally dedicated to his craft.”
Mastering Intense Mental Football Demands
Adapting to massive expectations as a Sunderland player clearly prepares homegrown talent for major platforms. The relentless scrutiny in the North East provides an ideal education for the Scottish football landscape. McGeady confessed he initially gave the midfielder grief over the transfer. He told the Glasgow Times: “I was actually surprised that he went to Rangers, because I was messaging him saying ‘you’re better than this’.”
The midfielder faces an immediate league rematch against Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday.
