McGeady was heavily
linked with a move to the Premier League this summer after a
sensational season in Scotland, having tallied seven goals and an
amazing 19 assists as he helped the Hoops clinch their third
consecutive SPL title.
North East rivals Sunderland and
Newcastle United led the chase for the 22-year-old before he
effectively ruled out a move by signing a new five-year deal with the
Bhoys.
Aliadiere trained in person with a teenage McGeady during
a short stint at Parkhead in 2005, and he insisted the Republic of
Ireland international has come on in leaps and bounds since then.
"When
I was at Celtic Aiden wasn't starting games all the time and wasn't a
regular pick," the Middlesbrough striker said in the Sunday Mail.
"But
he is now involved every week and doing well at a high level. I watched
him last season playing in the Champions League and he is a quality
player."
Some have questioned whether McGeady is ready for the
trip south of the border, suggesting the Glasgow native would struggle
with the increased pace and intensity of the English game.
But
Aliadiere believes the tricky attacker has all the raw materials to
succeed at the very highest level, and even claimed that he would be an
ideal addition to the Arsenal squad – if he should decide to leave
Celtic at all, that is.
"He has the talent to make an impact in
the Premiership and could go on to star for a big club in England -
Aiden is the type of player Arsene Wenger likes," the 25-year-old
continued.
"But I also see Celtic as a big club and it must be
great for Aiden and the other players to know they have Champions
League football every season."