AIDEN McGeady remains a taboo subject at Celtic as the club prepares for the Homecoming Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Irn-Bru First Division Dundee.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder returned to training last week after a two-week club ban imposed following a dressing-room row with manager Gordon Strachan but failed to win a place on the bench in last Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Dundee United.
On Tuesday, contrary to expectations, McGeady revealed he would not appeal against his suspension and the fine of two weeks wages, which suggested a truce of sorts between the player and the manager.
However, on the subject of last season's player-of-the year, Strachan would only say: "We've moved on. Next question."
The media were then warned not to ask Stephen McManus any questions about his team-mate although the Hoops captain volunteered an opinion in the context of McGeady returning to the fold.
"Aiden has come back and he is looking sharp," McManus said.
"Jan (Vennegoor of Hesselink) has come back and he is looking sharp, as is Marc Crosas and that is great for the squad.
"If we sign one or two this month then great but if not then we will get on with it.
"The squad just now is looking really good, we have other players coming back and hopefully Shaun (Maloney) is not too far away either."
Strachan faces the club where he started his career in the 1970s with the odds heavily on a home win for the Hoops.
However, the former Aberdeen player insists complacency will not be a problem while claiming every club must carry some luck if they are to enjoy a successful cup run.
He said: "I am looking forward to it because I started my career at Dundee and had a smashing time there.
"There have been cup shocks over the years, but it's not because of underestimating teams.
"Sometimes it's circumstances. Sometimes a team plays fantastically well and sometimes a team is is very unlucky. So we won't be underestimating anyone.
"You must try and enjoy it but you must know there is the prospect of getting beaten.
He added: "You need a bit of luck.
"Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup three times on the trot in 1982, '83 and '84.
"I remember going to Motherwell one year and scoring within seven seconds and being under pressure for the 89 minutes after that.
"Nobody remembers that; all they remember is this fantastic Aberdeen team that won three Scottish Cups on the trot; everyone forgets how lucky we were against Motherwell that day.
"So you need a bit of luck and determined players, just the same characteristics to win the league but on a cup day, I think luck plays a big part sometimes.
Strachan denied reported interest in Portsmouth's Hermann Hreidarsson, saying: "He's a good player but he's not on our radar."
On Tuesday, contrary to expectations, McGeady revealed he would not appeal against his suspension and the fine of two weeks wages, which suggested a truce of sorts between the player and the manager.
However, on the subject of last season's player-of-the year, Strachan would only say: "We've moved on. Next question."
The media were then warned not to ask Stephen McManus any questions about his team-mate although the Hoops captain volunteered an opinion in the context of McGeady returning to the fold.
"Aiden has come back and he is looking sharp," McManus said.
"Jan (Vennegoor of Hesselink) has come back and he is looking sharp, as is Marc Crosas and that is great for the squad.
"If we sign one or two this month then great but if not then we will get on with it.
"The squad just now is looking really good, we have other players coming back and hopefully Shaun (Maloney) is not too far away either."
Strachan faces the club where he started his career in the 1970s with the odds heavily on a home win for the Hoops.
However, the former Aberdeen player insists complacency will not be a problem while claiming every club must carry some luck if they are to enjoy a successful cup run.
He said: "I am looking forward to it because I started my career at Dundee and had a smashing time there.
"There have been cup shocks over the years, but it's not because of underestimating teams.
"Sometimes it's circumstances. Sometimes a team plays fantastically well and sometimes a team is is very unlucky. So we won't be underestimating anyone.
"You must try and enjoy it but you must know there is the prospect of getting beaten.
He added: "You need a bit of luck.
"Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup three times on the trot in 1982, '83 and '84.
"I remember going to Motherwell one year and scoring within seven seconds and being under pressure for the 89 minutes after that.
"Nobody remembers that; all they remember is this fantastic Aberdeen team that won three Scottish Cups on the trot; everyone forgets how lucky we were against Motherwell that day.
"So you need a bit of luck and determined players, just the same characteristics to win the league but on a cup day, I think luck plays a big part sometimes.
Strachan denied reported interest in Portsmouth's Hermann Hreidarsson, saying: "He's a good player but he's not on our radar."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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