Ferguson reveals McGeady interest

By David McDaid

Although born in Scotland, McGeady represents the Republic of Ireland

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Celtic's Aiden McGeady could have been turning out for Manchester United when the sides meet in the Champions League.

The United manager says Scottish-born McGeady is one of a number players who illustrate the quality in Scotland.

"We brought him as a kid to Manchester and we thought we were certain to sign him," said Ferguson.

"His heart ruled his head and he signed for Celtic, but he's a talented young footballer, that's for sure."

Ferguson explained that the differing rules governing when a young player can sign for a club in Scotland and England can work to Scottish teams' advantage.

"We had McGeady and his parents down to discuss him signing for Manchester United when he was 14 or 15," Ferguson said of the Republic of Ireland international.

"We thought we had him buttoned up, but in England we have to wait until they are 16, while Scottish clubs can tie them up when they're still at school."

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The United manager was in Glasgow to open a new training facility for the Harmony Row Youth Club, of which he is the patron.

And he will make the trip again in November when his team visits Celtic Park in Champions League Group E.

The last time he brought the Red Devils to Celtic Park in 2006, Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura scored a spectacular free-kick to give the Glasgow side victory.

Celtic's win also gave them passage to the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time.

And Ferguson sees no reason why Celtic manager Gordon Strachan cannot repeat the achievement for the third successive season, ahead of group rivals Villarreal and Aalborg.

"I think Celtic have a terrific chance. I think their home record over the last few years gives them that chance," he said.

"In terms of their home results, they're probably in the top four or five clubs in Europe.

"Anyone going to Celtic Park now thinks, 'you've got to beat that atmosphere and the energy they spend in a game'.

"So there's a lot of plus points for them there."