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McGeady ready for "biggest" clash
Celtic, 14:45, October 9, 2009 ,
Aiden McGeady believes the Republic of Ireland's clash with Italy on Saturday will be one of the biggest games of his career.
The 23-year-old Celtic winger is part of the Irish squad who entertain the Italians at Croke Park at the weekend.
Victory for the men in green will seal qualification for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year while anything other than a Bulgaria win in their clash with Cyprus will also rubber stamp the Republic's participation in the event in 2010.
McGeady came on as a substitute in Ireland's 2-1 victory over the Cypriots last time out and he admits that it does not get much bigger than Saturday's encounter with the reigning World Champions.
"It will probably be one of the biggest games of my career," he told Celtic's official website. "If we win, the group is wide open and even a draw almost guarantees us second place in the group. But it's a game we want to win, especially because we are at home.
"So far, we're unbeaten in the group and a win would be unbelievable. Italy are still world champions and it's going to be tough, but we're all looking forward to the challenge.
"Reaching a World Cup would be unbelievable. Growing up, it's something you dream of.
"You want to test yourself against the best players on the biggest stage and hopefully that dream can come true for me."