Former Sunderland player Kevin Phillips has claimed that Aiden McGeady is the best player in League and called on Celtic to sign the winger.

With the new League One season underway as the Black Cats drew with Bristol Rovers at the weekend, McGeady has been training with the club's under-23 side and was left out of Phil Parkinson’s EFL squad.

The 92-cap Republic of Ireland international is back at the club following his loan spell with Charlton Athletic last term, returning to the Stadium of Light this summer with one-year remaining on his current deal.

The £653,000-valued winger's future is now very much a talking point with McGeady revealing on The Go Radio Football Show on Go Radio (5pm, September 7, 2020), as transcribed by The Scottish Sun, that he would welcome a move to Celtic, where he began his professional career.

Phillips, who discusses various Sunderland talking points via Football Insider, has now given his thoughts on the winger's future. He said:

“When Aiden McGeady is on top of his game he is by far the best player in the league.

“It is just whether he can be that influence on the pitch and off it. There has been talk of him perhaps digging a few people out in the dressing room and you do not want a bad egg in the dressing room.

“I am not sure if Celtic would take him back. I think Neil Lennon is looking at other options. For the player, to go back there would probably be a dream for him.”

During his time at Sunderland, McGeady has featured in 98 games, scoring 27 goals and supplying 13 assists in the process for his teammates.

Phillips' comments may strike a chord with many Sunderland fans and you have to wonder just why Parkinson has such a problem with handing McGeady a chance in the first team.

A move away from Wearside does look likely, though, and it seems that the sooner the better for the ostracised winger.

Do you think McGeady should be given a chance to play for Sunderland this term? Let us know in the comments section below...