McGeady plans to outdo compatriort Carr

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady is planning to outfox Republic of Ireland team-mate Stephen Carr but knows he could have a few bumps to show for his efforts after tomorrow's friendly against Newcastle.

The pair know each other well from international duty and 21-year-old McGeady is set to go head to head with 30-year-old full-back Carr at St James' Park in Celtic's latest first-team pre-season clash.

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McGeady said: "I've played against Stephen a few times in training with Ireland and I know how much of a competitor he is.

"He's a tough lad and you always know that you've been in a game against him."

While McGeady heads south of the border with Celtic, he has acclaimed Barcelona's brilliant forward Lionel Messi as his new idol.

Messi is not in Scotland with his Barcelona team-mates, after being allowed to rest following his exploits with Argentina at the Copa America.

But McGeady believes he can learn a lot from watching television footage of the little Argentinian, for whom the spectacular has become the norm.

"I like watching Messi a lot," McGeady said. "He's very skilful, but it's not all about tricks for him.

"He just seems to glide past players, and there are few to touch him at the moment - maybe Ronaldinho when he's in full flight.

"As a boy it was always [Diego] Maradona for me. Messi is a bit similar in his style."

Former Celtic striker Mark Viduka is not expected to play any part for Newcastle tomorrow, having just returned from Asian Cup duty with Australia.

But McGeady believes the 31-year-old summer signing from Middlesbrough can be a big hit on Tyneside, along with fellow new recruit Joey Barton, the former Manchester City midfielder.

"Barton is a great signing for them," said McGeady, "and I'm sure that Mark Viduka will score a lot of goals over the course of the season."