McGeady hoping for a star performance in Israel

Kerr opted to leave the 18-year-old out of his senior squad for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, leaving the way open for McGeady to return to Don Givens’s panel.

And McGeady – who has been in tremendous form with Celtic of late, joining Craig Bellamy in tormenting opposition defenders – is keen to help the under-21s return to winning ways after some disappointing recent results.

He said: “I wasn’t too bothered when I spoke to Brian last week because he said that there was only a slim chance that I would be playing. There wasn’t too much point in travelling out there if there was only a small chance.

“I wouldn’t say I was surprised but of course I was hoping to be involved. Now I’ve got to catch the manager’s eye on Friday. Hopefully, I get 90 minutes and hopefully we get a win. I enjoy playing for the 21s.”