McGeady exposes Celtic rift

Hmm... it's been a bad fornight for wee Gordy Strachan, eh? 1 point from 2 matches with the Edinburgh duo, a pointless victory over Villareal, and now a "bust-up" with Aiden McGeady has re-opened the perrenial debate about his future with the club.

This is Strachan's future we're talking about, by the way, not McGeady's. The winger's agent may be desperately trying to repair his client's relationship with the club (Aiden is 110% Celtic, apparently, if less than 50% Scottish), but the chatter seems to be that either he goes or Strachan goes in January. Of course, there are plenty of Celtic fans hoping it will be the latter, and that the manager will walk, Paul Le Guen-style, soon after the New Year.

However, the Celtic board seemingly remain committed to Strachan, and why not? He's brought the club consistent success and profits, which to the owners counts for more than the team's often turgid and uninspiring play.

There are seemingly a number of English Premiership sides tracking McGeady, so if Celtic can agree a fee (it seems impossible anyone will pay more than £5m in these financially troubled times) then he will be on his way.

Of course, with Sunderland rumoured to be interested in Strachan, this row could have come at very convenient time for the Celtic gaffer. Rather than leave in the manner of Paul Le Guen, Strachan could instead emulate John Collins, and announce his resignation with the words that he has taken the club "as far as it can go". After all, Celtic are out of Europe, and with 3 titles in a row in the bag, history will record Strachan's tenure at Parkhead as a massive success, no matter what happens now.

The fans who've never taken to Strachan want him out - especially if the alternative is watching McGeady, one of their favourites, head for the exit instead. But they should be careful what they wish for... the wee ginger man who has brought them so much silverware over the past few seasons may just throw in the towel.

ADDED: Celtic-watchers are seeing the announcement today of the signing of winger Niall McGinn from Derry City as anything but coincidental. He apparently can play on either flank and likes to "get at" defenders... which reads like Aiden McGeady's job description. McGinn is highly rated in Northern Ireland and reputedly cost Celtic £200k.