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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: McGeady plots Camp Nou success

/noticias.info/ Aiden McGeady has his sights set on achieving the "unbelievable" as Celtic FC look to overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, a venue the Republic of Ireland winger has fond memories of.

'Great experience'
The two sides met in the UEFA Cup Round of 16 four years ago, Celtic prevailing courtesy of a 1-0 home win as they held out for a goalless draw in Spain. McGeady was a gauche 17-year-old at the time, but then-manager Martin O'Neill was keen to give the youngster a taste of the big time so he was included in the travelling party. Even if he did not make the final 18-man squad, the event made an indelible impression on McGeady. "I was surprised to be going away with them as I was only 17 at the time," he recalled. "It was a great experience to go there and be part of the first-team squad. To be in the stands and sample the atmosphere in the dressing room and things like that was fantastic."


Telling move
Almost four years on and McGeady is now one of the first names on Gordon Strachan's teamsheet, and Barcelona's eminent backline will need no introductions after the Celtic No46 gave them a testing time in Glasgow eleven days ago. His best moment came on 38 minutes, outstripping Andrés Iniesta and Carles Puyol on the left before firing across a high ball which Barry Robson headed over Víctor Valdés as the home side briefly went 2-1 up. Barça recovered to make it 3-2 in the second period, and McGeady is eager to learn from his side's mistakes. "They seemed to move up a gear in the second half and it was very difficult even to get close to them," he said. "We will need to get more possession in the second game and try to make it count."


Puyol battle
If Celtic are to succeed, then much may depend on McGeady winning his individual battle out wide with Puyol, and he is confident he can do just that. "Puyol is one of the best defenders in the world," said McGeady. "He's a clever defender, tough to play against, but I thought I had the beating of him when I had the ball [in the first leg]. It was a good battle and I look forward to playing against him again. Considering the quality of opposition and players we're playing against it's going to be very difficult to get the result we need. It's not just one or two players like Ronaldinho; they have six or seven who can hurt you, so to get through would be unbelievable." notas_de_prensa_archivo