Roy Keane
is again thinking of basing himself in Edinburgh if he becomes
Celtic
manager according to the club’s former winger Aiden McGeady who says he understands why the 42-year-old would steer clear of the attention that living in
Glasgow
would bring.
But he believes the Corkman will have no trouble dealing with the pressure.
“When I was talking to him today he said that if it did happen he’d probably stay in Edinburgh, he thought that would probably be his best option,” said the Everton midfielder after Saturday night’s drawn clash with Italy in London.
“He’s one of those who doesn’t like the limelight that much so I doubt you’d see him walking down through the city centre in Glasgow. It’s better to be a little bit out of the way and staying somewhere like Edinburgh does make sense if that’s what you want. It’s certainly feasible to do it as he stayed there when he played for Celtic so he’ll know he can do it. It’s only an hour after all.”
McGeady knows better than most what it’s like to be the centre of attention in Scotland’s biggest city with the winger establishing himself as a major SPL star during his time with Celtic at the same time as he became a regular target for the newspaper and supporter criticism due to his decision to declare for the Republic of Ireland.
Keane would be subject to a lot of attention but McGeady is adamant that the former Sunderland and Ipswich boss would be well able for whatever is thrown at him.
“Of course he’ll cope with it,” he says. “There isn’t a doubt about that. He’s got the quality; he’s got the pedigree. He did really well at Sunderland then in the last few years Ipswich had a little bit of an indifferent period but having been out of the game for a couple of years I think he’ll be hungry to get back to being a head coach.”
The 28-year-old hints at a slight sense of surprise regarding the ease with which Keane has settled into his new role. “To be honest, he’s been really positive. You do hear different things about what he’s like. We’ve all heard former players talking about him not exactly falling out with them but... Roy’s style is to say it like he sees it at times. But since he’s been here he’s been great.
“He’s been out of management for a couple of years now and maybe he’s mellowed a little bit but going from what I’ve seen, being in and around us, that’s the impression I’ve got. It’ll be a tough job for him but he certainly has the quality to go there and do well.
“But is it actually going to happen? “I’ve actually asked him a couple of times if he’s going,” he added, “but he’s not the type who gives much away.”
