Aiden McGeady runs down the wing for me….
The 31-year-old midfielder has scored four goals for Sunderland this season following his summer move from Everton.
While victories still evade the Black Cats in their quest to climb the Sky Bet Championship table, McGeady has spoken of the importance of feeling settled, the need to dig deep and of course the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming World Cup play-off against Denmark…
So Aiden, how’s it been for you personally settling into life at Sunderland?
It’s been good to score a few goals and set a few up as well. But, ultimately, we haven’t been winning games, so it’s been frustrating in that respect. We just need to start picking up points, it’s as simple as that.
How nice is it, bearing in mind your last couple of seasons, to be settle permanently at this club?
That was the main thing for me. When I signed here I got to sign for three years which is great. I didn’t want to be assessing my options after one year here. The last couple of seasons have been hard for me because I’ve been everywhere. I was down at Sheffield Wednesday, then Preston – where I thought I was going to sign, then Sunderland came in. I’ve been all over the place while going back and forth from Glasgow. It’s been great to get settled and the dressing room has made that easier for me.
I suppose not knowing where you might be next season can always affect you…
Of course. You want to make it as easy for yourself as you can, from a physical point of view as well. I’ve got a family so it can be difficult. I was on my own at Sheffield Wednesday, and I found it difficult. Then I went to Preston and I got my kids into school there and that helped. I’d always say to any player that it really helps when you’re settled off the park. Being away from home a lot and trying to make it back for a short day is tough. But here is great. I’m settled, I’m in a house and the kids are at school.
How have you found the reception since you’ve received from the fans?
So far for me, the fans have been really good. I’ve heard a couple of songs and George Honeyman was singing a few of them at me the other day! You always want to hit the ground running for a new team and getting the fans on your side helps with that. You want to try and please them, get results and everything to go right.
While results aren’t there yet, one a personal note you’ve scored four cracking goals…
I got eight last season and I’ve already got halfway to that total. Last campaign was good for me too. I just want to be of benefit to the team. I want to score as many as I can, assist as many as I can and help this club to get the wins on the board. I feel good physically, I missed three or four games with my hamstring injury, but I’ve got back playing and I’m feeling strong. The more you play, the better and sharper you feel. It’s just tough because the bigger picture is always about winning.
There is an underlying frustration due to the position the club find themselves in, how important is it to remain positive during that time?
I think we are just getting on with it. We put each result to bed and it’s a good thing at times that games come so quickly in the Championship as there’s always a game three days later to try and put things right. We’re still relatively early in the season, so I don’t think it’s a time to start panicking but we are keen to pick up results quickly.
Before the lads play their next game you have an important World Cup play-off match against the Republic of Ireland, a very big game for you…
We have a big chance to qualify for the World Cup and I am desperate to be part of history in that sense. I want to help the team who have done well over the last few years. We have a big chance now and I can see us doing it. We seem to be able to grind results out.
