'I have no regrets' - Aiden McGeady on choosing Ireland over Scotland

Aiden McGeady has been reflecting on his decision to play for the Republic of Ireland instead of Scotland as a young player. With the Republic of Ireland playing Kosovo, Israel and Austria in the Nations League over the next couple of weeks, we’re revisiting an interview with legendary winger Aiden McGeady.

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer last month, the former Celtic player explained he avoided playing for Scotland due to a quirk in the Scottish development system where underage players need to play for their school.

McGeady made 93 appearances for Ireland in his career, eligible through his Donegal grandparents, and the decision came very early in his career when he was still a teenager.

“When I was 15, Scotland wouldn't let me play because Celtic didn't allow players to represent their schools, and Scotland required that. Ireland didn't have that rule, so they invited me in.

“By the time people started asking why I wasn't playing for Scotland, I'd already been through the Irish youth system, knew all the lads and loved being part of it.

“I don't have any regrets. Would it have made my life easier? Probably, but the decision was almost made for me because of the rules at the time,” he explained.

“When I look back, I played at two European Championships and came close to qualifying for two World Cups, while Scotland didn't qualify for a major tournament during that period. So I think I made the right decision!”

McGeady had a successful career with Ireland, becoming a leader on the field and a fan favourite with his trademark McGeady twist skill move.

A stand-out moment for him in his Irish Career was against Georgia in 2014 during a European Championship Qualification campaign, when he beat his man with a spin on the edge of the box and curled it into the top corner for a two-one win.