The story of Aiden McGeady's professional career is a puzzling one.
Perhaps it was best summed up by Roy Keane after the former Celtic winger put in a rather abject performance against Belarus prior to Euro 2016.
My reaction to Aiden's performance? I think he can do a lot better but maybe that's the story of Aiden's career.
Keane faced criticism from former internationals for his comments, but Roy was giving his honest opinion and the feeling is shared by many Irish football fans who expected so much from the dazzling dribbler that first emerged in the green and white hoops.
A strange move to Spartak Moscow turned out to be more of a sideways move, as while McGeady was well received by fans of the Russian club , he never cemented a regular place and was soon looking for a move closer to home. It looked like Everton was the perfect move for him in joining up with Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy, Darron Gibson and Shane Duffy, but after a promising start it became very clear that he was not in the club's plans going forward.
A disappointing loan to Sheffield Wednesday was how he ended last season, and McGeady would have hoped that the departure of Roberto Martinez would have meant a fresh start under Ronald Koeman, but those hopes appear to have been squashed as the Irish international has not been given a squad number for the upcoming season.
No squad numbers for Aiden McGeady, Oumar Niasse, Leandro Rodriguez and Luke Garbutt #EFC
— ToffeeTVEFC (@ToffeeTVEFC) August 2, 2016
He could hardly have expected to hold on to the #7, but it's quite clear that McGeady is free to find a new club.
So what are his options?
Back to Celtic?
At this moment in time it looks the most likely option, but do Celtic really need McGeady, and would they pay him what he has been asking for? The answer to both of those questions is probably no, although the links are already beginning to surface.
Celtic fans, as they often are when it comes to McGeady, seem divided.
McGeady not even given a number this season by Everton, I'd take him back at Celtic in a heartbeat! ???
— Conor Deighan (@ConorDeighan_4) August 3, 2016
Aiden mcgeady? We may as well chuck it if we bring that lazy overrated ego maniac back.
— stevie (@scottishstevie) August 3, 2016
McGeady isn't really a need for them in terms of the position he plays, but we'll wait and see if talks take place.
A Premier League lifeline?
There are a number of clubs, Hull City in particular, who simply need to add players to their squad. Swansea City are another one, but really Hull would be the best bet to rescue McGeady and give him a go in the Premier League.
David Meyler would have to put a good word in for him, but a loan could be a possibility.
A random Championship loan?
The player himself is unlikely to want to try this route again after he finished the season of Sheffield United's bench, but should one of the recently relegated clubs, lets take Aston Villa for example, were to offer him a chance he could see it as a viable option.
There are a lot of Irish players at Blackburn now too, but we're just picking names out of a hat now.
The MLS?
A real option for McGeady, following in the footsteps of Kevin Doyle and Sean St.Ledger, would be to opt for America if no decent offer surfaces in Europe.
He would get the wages he wants and would be very effective in the league based on the defending I have seen as someone who watches MLS regularly. This could be McGeady's best option if he wants to play regularly, be loved, and be well paid. There would surely be a club interested in an Irish international who loves a flashy stepover.
A weird move into the unknown? Again?
We know McGeady isn't afraid to step out of his comfort zone judging by his time in Russia, so maybe there is a Cillian Sheridan-esque trip to Cyprus, or somewhere similar to a club that liked what they saw in Spartak colours.
All that's left to do is wait and see what develops, but McGeady is running out of time if he wants to start the season at his new club, wherever that may be.
We'll keep you updated with any more developments.
