Aiden's staying power

Aiden McGeady celebrates scoring Prestons third goal against Brentford

The 30-year-old scored twice in PNE’s 4-2 victory over Brentford at Deepdale, the first time he had found the net since his debut in September.

After overcoming a couple of injury problems earlier in the loan, McGeady has added consistency to his game over the last couple of months.

In addition to his two goals, he claimed an assist when setting up Callum Robinson.

“It’s at the back of my mind,” said McGeady when asked about his future.

“I’ve still got another year at Everton but I think it is quite clear that I’m not part of the manager’s plans there.

“I will see how it goes until the end of the season and see what happens in the summer.

“If it comes to it and  Preston want to offer me something, I like it here.

“I’m happy with how things have gone, I like playing under the manager – he has been good for me.

“I’ve gone from not playing to getting my confidence back and playing the way I can.”

McGeady likes the fact he has been given a freedom to play by North End boss Simon Grayson.

“The manager doesn’t  ever get on your case if you lose the ball when trying to make something happen,” he said.

“He appreciates that is what attacking players do, if you try to score goals and create something, there are going to be things that don’t come off.

“I always remember before my debut here, the manager said to me to go and play like I did three or four years ago when everyone was talking about me and I got the move to Russia.”

McGeady is clearly a  player who Grayson would like to keep, although it will come down to finances.

Said Grayson: “We have a good relationship with Geads and the biggest fact is that he loves being here and enjoys what he is doing.

“We will take care of that in the summer once we see where we finish and what we need for next year.

“His wages are obviously going to be difficult for any club because of the level of money he is earning.

“Full credit to Everton, they have helped us with that this year.”

McGeady was delighted with his double against the Bees, the win being Preston’s first over the London side since 2011.

The former Celtic man said: “It had been weighing on my mind that I hadn’t been scoring.

“I’m happy to have scored with both feet – I’m not bad on my left foot and I’ll always shoot if I get a chance.”