Transfer news: Everton's Aiden McGeady feels more players should go abroad

Aiden McGeady refutes any suggestion that his time in Russia was 'a nightmare' and feels more Brits should head abroad.

The Republic of Ireland international took the decision to broaden his horizons in 2010 when accepting an offer from Spartak Moscow.

Having made his name at Scottish giants Celtic, the highly-rated winger had numerous options to consider before opting for a Russian adventure.

I would encourage any player to go abroad and broaden your horizons. That’s kind of why I came out here.

Three-and-a-half productive years in Moscow followed, with it only towards the end of his stay that things turned sour – after he made it clear that he would not be penning a new deal.

McGeady is now back in Britain with Everton, having made a move to Goodison Park in January, but claims to have benefited greatly from a spell in Eastern Europe and would encourage any young players considering such a switch to make the most of any opportunities that come their way.

The 28-year-old said after being quizzed by Russian journalists about his time at Spartak ahead of a Europa League clash with Krasnodar: “That guy kind of killed me by saying it was a nightmare, which it wasn’t.

“I enjoyed a lot of it and it was just towards the end that it obviously got difficult. But it was a great experience.

“I would encourage any player to go abroad and broaden your horizons. That’s kind of why I came out here.

“I was 24 at the time and I didn’t really know what to expect but it definitely opened my eyes and I grew up a bit.

“I adapted to life and got used to it and enjoyed the football. That was the main part. I enjoyed that.

“Racism didn’t affect me but there were issues now and again and I hear something flared up the other day with (Dynamo Moscow defender) Chris Samba.

“There are little parts of that here and there that go around but overall the fans were always great, the ones I encountered anyway, and it was a good place to play.”