McGeady eyes move to England

The Ireland international's contract with Spartak Moscow finishes at the end of the current Russian league season and while Spartak have offered him a new deal, McGeady has already stated his intention of refusing that to try and secure a move back to the UK.

"When I am with the Ireland squad sometimes I look at the guys who are playing in England and feel a bit jealous," says McGeady.

"I feel I could be in the back of people's minds now, that I could be forgotten about. People ask me: 'Where are you playing now?' 'Oh are you still there?'

"I have made no secret of the fact that one day I would like to play in England. I would be disappointed if I never get the chance to do that."

MCSHANE AIMS TO KEEP PLACE

PAUL MCSHANE hopes that his form with Hull City will be enough to keep his place in the side after a frustrating period for the Ireland international.

A peripheral figure for much of the last two years, McShane has established himself in the Tigers' starting XI with some impressive displays in the last three games, including a goal against Tottenham last week.

"It's been hard to wait but I just tried to keep my head. It's been very, very difficult," said McShane.

"It's up and down for me here, isn't it? There's no in between. I've had to do it the hard way again but thankfully I've done my bit and I'm in the side now.

"I'm just hopeful I can stay there as long as I can. Actions speak louder than words and hopefully I've done that."

Northern IRELAND manager Michael O'Neill will begin his Euro 2016 planning in earnest next week after putting pen to paper on a new two-year contract.

The friendly against Turkey on November 15 was the final fixture on his original deal with the Irish Football Association and when he announced a strong 20-man squad for the match at Windsor Avenue yesterday, he was able to do so having signed on to lead the Euro 2016 campaign.

O'Neill took over from Nigel Worthington in 2012 and has won just one of his 14 games in charge.