McGeady believes consistency is key

Aiden McGeady left Aberdeen chasing shadows during Celtic's convincing Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory at Pittodrie before insisting that consistency is the key behind his growth as a player this season.

McGeady was in sublime form against the dismal Dons, showing off his vast array of flicks and tricks in addition to an impressive work-rate in a regulation 5-1 win for Gordon Strachan's side.

The 21-year-old is clearly an integral part of Celtic's bid to win the title and McGeady thinks that is because he has managed to avoid having the off days which frustrated him in the past.

When asked what the difference is behind his performances this season compared to years gone by, McGeady replied: ‘It's consistency.’

‘In the past I was maybe having three or four good games in a row then having a couple of bad ones.

‘This season I seem to be playing well over a longer period of time and I think the main thing is that I am setting up more goals, which is what I am paid to do.’

During a frantic opening to the game, McGeady crossed for Scott Brown to head off a post, before Darren Mackie received a pass from Derek Young and missed what was essentially an open goal.

McGeady helped Celtic punish Aberdeen for that profligacy as he crossed for Shunsuke Nakamura to tap in.

The Dons then blew another great opportunity when Mackie struck the woodwork after being played through by Lee Miller and once again Celtic made their hosts pay in clinical fashion with McGeady netting from 25 yards.

Just before the break Scott McDonald was brought down by Josh Walker and the Australian got up, regained his composure and coolly converted the resultant penalty.

Following the restart McDonald soon netted his second goal of the game via a header which came after an amazing turn on the ball by McGeady, followed by a perfectly flighted cross.

Miller grabbed a consolation for the ragged Dons with a powerful finish, only for Barry Robson to have the last word.

The recent £1.25 million signing from Dundee United replaced Shunsuke Nakamura to make his first appearance for Celtic and immediately scored with a free-kick.

McGeady looked as if he wanted to take the set-piece himself in discussing the situation with Robson, but the Republic of Ireland star insisted: ‘I was only kidding him on.

‘I was saying to him you only have one chance because Nakamura is off.

‘He took it and stuck it right in, so it is obviously fantastic for him to score on his debut.

‘The gaffer wouldn't have signed him if he didn't think Barry could do the job.

‘Time will only tell if he comes into the team right away, but to come on and score on your debut is what you dream of.’

Aberdeen defender Alan Maybury was left to rue his side's inability to convert one of the clearcut chances they created during the first half.

He said: ‘Early on we felt we matched them and we had some chances.

‘If we took them then it would have been a different game, but we didn't and we were well beaten in the end.’