McGeady was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League
this summer after a sensational season in Scotland, having tallied
seven goals and an amazing 19 assists as he helped the Hoops clinch
their third consecutive SPL title.
North East rivals Sunderland and Newcastle United led the chase for
the 22-year-old before he effectively ruled out a move by signing a
new five-year deal with the Bhoys.
Aliadiere trained in person with a teenage McGeady during a short
stint at Parkhead in 2005, and he insisted the Republic of Ireland
international has come on in leaps and bounds since then.
"When I was at Celtic Aiden wasn't starting games all the time and
wasn't a regular pick," the Middlesbrough striker said in the
Sunday Mail.
"But he is now involved every week and doing well at a high level.
I watched him last season playing in the Champions League and he is
a quality player."
Some have questioned whether McGeady is ready for the trip south of
the border, suggesting the Glasgow native would struggle with the
increased pace and intensity of the English game.
But Aliadiere believes the tricky attacker has all the raw
materials to succeed at the very highest level, and even claimed
that he would be an ideal addition to the Arsenal squad – if he
should decide to leave Celtic at all, that is.
"He has the talent to make an impact in the Premiership and could
go on to star for a big club in England - Aiden is the type of
player Arsene Wenger likes," the 25-year-old continued.
"But I also see Celtic as a big club and it must be great for Aiden
and the other players to know they have Champions League football
every season."