Celtic legend Aiden McGeady has doubled down on his view that Rangers midfielder Dan Neil would have thrived in the Hoops’ system.
The former Parkhead winger insists the 24-year-old represents a missed opportunity for his old club after watching Neil deliver a stunning Old Firm display.
Neil scored twice in Rangers’ emphatic 3-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday. His composed finishes bookended Kevin Kelsy’s strike as Derek McInnes secured his first derby win as Rangers manager.
McGeady, who played alongside Neil during their time together at Sunderland, made no attempt to hide his admiration. He told the Go Radio Football Show that the performance only confirmed what he had long believed about the midfielder’s quality.
McGeady’s Strong Assessment of Neil’s Qualities
The Celtic icon was clear in his praise. “Dan Neil, not that I wanted him to do well, but he proves that I am right about football sometimes when I said he is a really good football player,” McGeady said.
He added that Neil is “probably one that Celtic should have looked at.” McGeady revealed he had even messaged the player when Rangers’ interest became public, urging him against the move to Ibrox in the hope that Celtic might step in.
“When there was talk of him signing here, I message him and said ‘you can’t be doing that mate, you can’t be signing for Rangers’ – and I was hoping Celtic would look at him,” he explained.
McGeady highlighted Neil’s ability to carry the ball over long distances while remaining composed. He also pointed to the quality of the two finishes that sealed the derby win.
A Player Built for Celtic’s Style
“He is a player I think would have fit into Celtic’s system really, really well,” McGeady continued. The former Everton and Hibs winger believes Neil’s technical security and intelligence would have complemented Callum McGregor perfectly.
McGeady has been a consistent admirer of Neil since their shared years at the Stadium of Light. He previously described the midfielder as a focused, dedicated trainer with excellent technical ability who finds space and passes without overcomplicating play.
Those earlier comments came shortly after Neil signed a three-year deal at Rangers on a free transfer in July. McGeady had joked at the time that Neil was “better than this” while still expressing genuine surprise that Celtic had not pursued him.
Midfield Struggles Exposed in the Derby
Celtic’s performance at Ibrox underlined the concerns McGeady raised. The visitors lost the midfield battle comprehensively as Rangers pressed man-to-man and dominated the centre of the pitch.
Captain Callum McGregor, so often the tempo-setter in these fixtures, found himself isolated at times. The single-pivot role left him short of support against an aggressive Rangers side that refused to give him time on the ball.
McGeady believes a player with Neil’s profile would have provided exactly the help required. “I think it’s difficult for Callum now, playing in a one [in midfield]. It has been shown up in Europe and against Rangers who are pressing man to man. It’s difficult playing in a one at his age, he needs someone in there to help him.”
The analysis carries weight given Celtic’s mixed results in higher-intensity matches this season. While Martin O’Neill’s side remain unbeaten in the Premiership, their vulnerability against organised pressing has been noted both domestically and in European ties.
Current League Context Adds Weight
Celtic sit top of the William Hill Premiership with a perfect record of six wins from six matches. They have scored 14 goals and conceded just three, building a five-point lead over Rangers.
Rangers occupy second place with 13 points from six games. Their form has improved steadily under McInnes, with five consecutive victories across all competitions before the international break approaches.
The two sides meet again at Celtic Park next Sunday in the league. Neil has already warned that Celtic will produce a reaction on home soil, stressing that Rangers have not over-celebrated the cup result.
That fixture now carries extra intrigue after McGeady’s comments. Fans on both sides of the city have reacted strongly to the suggestion that Neil could have been wearing green and white.
Fan Reactions and the Transfer That Never Happened
Celtic supporters have mixed feelings about the revelation. Some openly wonder why the club did not move for a free agent with Neil’s promotion pedigree and technical profile when he became available in the summer.
Others argue that hindsight is easy after one standout performance. They point to Celtic’s strong domestic start and question whether Neil would have adapted as smoothly in a different system.
Rangers fans, meanwhile, have largely celebrated the endorsement. Many see McGeady’s praise as confirmation of a shrewd free transfer that is already paying dividends in the biggest games.
Neil himself has stayed focused on the present. After his brace, the stand-in captain spoke of a complete team performance and the need to prepare for Celtic’s expected response at Parkhead.
Tactical Fit and Neil’s Growing Influence
Neil’s display at Ibrox showcased the attributes McGeady values most. He carried the ball purposefully over 30 and 40 yards, remained composed under pressure, and finished with clinical precision from the edge of the box.
Those qualities align with the demands of Celtic’s possession-based approach under O’Neill. A midfielder who can progress the ball, find space between the lines, and contribute goals would ease the burden on McGregor.
Rangers have benefited from Neil’s increasing confidence. Wearing the armband in Lawrence Shankland’s absence, he has grown into a leadership role and delivered his most impactful performance of the season in the derby.
McInnes has built a side capable of pressing high and winning second balls. Neil’s ability to operate effectively in that structure has given the Ibrox midfield greater balance and attacking threat.
Looking Ahead to the Next Old Firm Chapter
The next meeting at Celtic Park will test both teams’ midfield structures once more. Celtic will look to restore control through McGregor and ensure greater support around him.
Rangers will aim to replicate the intensity that nullified the champions on Sunday. Neil’s form means he is likely to remain central to McInnes’ plans for the foreseeable future.
McGeady’s comments have added an extra layer of narrative to the rivalry. By publicly stating that Neil would have fitted Celtic’s system “really, really well,” the former winger has reignited debate about a transfer that never materialised.
Whether Celtic ultimately regret the decision will depend on how both players and teams perform over the remainder of the campaign. For now, Neil is proving his worth in blue, while McGeady remains convinced the midfielder possessed the tools to succeed in green and white.
The conversation will continue until the sides meet again next weekend. In the meantime, McGeady’s endorsement stands as a notable tribute from a Celtic icon to a Rangers player who has already left his mark on this season’s Old Firm story.