Aiden McGeady can silence Scots

During the reverse fixture in Glasgow in November, a game which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Martin O’Neill’s men, the Paisley-born winger was a target for Scottish fans, who have never forgiven him for opting to play for Ireland rather than his native country.

However, the 29-year-old former Celtic midfielder, who has always insisted Ireland was the only country he was going to represent, will have the support of the bulk of a bumper crowd at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, and Brady is confident he can make a telling contribution to a vital Group D game.

Asked if McGeady has a point to prove to the Scots, the Hull player said: “I’m not sure. Maybe he does himself personally think that, but he has been excellent. I thought he played very well on against England and he is raring to go.

“Hopefully, if he is asked to play, he puts in a good performance and, with his ability, if he turns it on, we will be in good stead.”

Brady is well placed to assess McGeady’s form after an injury-interrupted season at Everton, having lined up behind him in the 0-0 draw with Roy Hodgson’s men in Dublin.

A winger by trade, Brady has been asked to line up at left-back by manager Martin O’Neill in recent games, and the cover provided for him by the likes of McGeady has proved invaluable.

Brady effectively marked England winger Raheem Sterling out of the game on Sunday, but freely admits he is still on a steep learning curve as he attempts to get to grips with the role.

He is attack-minded by nature but, while his defensive duties are currently a greater priority, he insists he will not pass up the opportunity to get forward if it presents itself.

He said: “There are different times in the game when you are able to get forward, and different times when you have to put the reins on a little bit. But, if I do get an opportunity to go forward at the weekend, I’ll be attacking it with everything I have.”

Aiden McGeady can silence Scots - Robbie Brady