McGeady admits standards have slipped at Celtic Park

Aiden McGeady has no plans to leave Celtic but believes supporters have been too quick to turn on the team.

"The fans forget quite easily and fairly quickly," said the winger.

"It was only a couple of months ago things were great, we were still in the Champions League and the Scottish Cup, now it is almost the end of the world.

"I suppose it's a massive failure not to win anything this season. We are still playing for the league but if we don't win there is always next year."

Interview: Celtic winger Aiden McGeady

Celtic were booed off after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Motherwell, which leaves them seven points behind SPL leaders Rangers, who have a game in hand.

"The fans give the team criticism, it is just something you need to deal with," said McGeady.

"I know we have not being playing great as a team but we just haven't been scoring goals.

"We have let our standards slip so you expect to take criticism, it is part and parcel of football.

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

Advertisement

Highlights: Final whistle for Celtic?

"I thought against Motherwell we started fairly well but then they got the goal and everything seems to be fairly anxious.

"In the second half everything was fairly hectic and when the ball doesn't go in the net, the fans become agitated and that's when they start to voice their concerns.

I would obviously love to test myself in the Premiership, you would be mad to say you wouldn't Aiden McGeady

"I don't take too much notice of it. When you are 1-0 down with 85 minutes gone and lose the ball the fans are obviously going to start moaning.

"But you have to be focused on the pitch and not listen to what is going on about you."

McGeady is on the four-man shortlist for player of the year and has been linked with a move to England.

But the 22-year-old said: "I'm contracted to Celtic for the next three years so we will see what happens but I am happy at Celtic.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Are Celtic fans right to boo their team?

"There is a time and a place for everything. I would obviously love to test myself in the Premiership, you would be mad to say you wouldn't.

"But I think just now I am definitely best staying at Celtic and learning the game more. Then, in a few years maybe, I would hopefully be ready."

Team-mate Barry Robson, also nominated for player of the year, was quick to defend manager Gordon Strachan, who has been under fire from disgruntled fans.

"He's won two league titles and reached the last 16 of the Champions League twice," Robson told BBC Sport. "I'd think you'd want to extend his contract.

"The manager's been great. I find it strange but that's football for you.

"We're still in there fighting for the league and there will be a few twists and turns to come."