Aiden McGeady hopes fans won’t boo if Spartak knock out Celtic

Aiden McGeady hopes his emotional Parkhead return isn’t soured by boos from the home fans.

Despite the fact the former Celtic player has his sights set on knocking the Hoops out the UEFA competition, McGeady hopes there will be no hard feelings and that fans will give him a familiar welcome.

The Spartak Moscow star is battling to be fit for tonight’s Champions League crunch against his boyhood heroes as Group G prepares for a thrilling climax.

Celtic need to better Benfica’s result in Barcelona but victory for McGeady’s Russian side in Glasgow would end any chance Neil Lennon’s men have of reaching the last-16 for the third time in their history.

If McGeady can overcome a knee injury – having only returned from six weeks out with a foot problem as a substitute in the weekend 4-2 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg – then he could be a big threat to his old club.

The Republic of Ireland star’s last appearance at Celtic Park was in a 2-1 win against Rangers in May 2010.

He was then sold to Spartak Moscow at the start of the following season in a £9.5million deal.

As he prepares for his return, the 26-year-old said: “Hopefully, I won’t get booed. I didn’t leave on bad terms but everyone has their own opinions.

“I’ve played in a lot of big European games for Celtic and have good memories against Shakhtar Donetsk, Man United and AC Milan.

“I’ve told my team-mates the atmosphere will be brilliant, especially with so much at stake.”

McGeady has been impressed by Celtic’s displays in the Champions League – including a 3-2 win in Moscow in the second group game – which have put them on the verge of the knockout stages while the Russians are rooted to the bottom of the table.

He said: “They have performed very well. The last game for them and Benfica will be massive.

“I’m a Celtic fan but we want to put on a show after a disappointing campaign. We want to save a bit of face.”

McGeady has stated he’d like to return to Celtic one day but his father John – who works as a teacher in Glasgow – is convinced his lad will not be going back to Parkhead any time soon, saying: “There’s not a single chance of Aiden moving back to Celtic.

“Think about what Scottish football has become. There’s no Rangers in the SPL and there are no tough opponents left.

“No, if he leaves Spartak it will be most likely be to England. But I think he will play in Russia for another year or two. Russia is a great country for him.”