Everton's Aiden McGeady: 'I forgot what it was like to be a footballer'

Sheffield Wednesday loanee Aiden McGeady has spoken of his relief in leaving Everton and getting his career back on track before Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign in the summer.

"The national team manager (Martin O'Neill) told me that I had to get out and play," McGeady told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"You're wasting your time if you're not playing. It wasn't enjoyable at all."

The winger, who has been capped 79 times by his country, had mustered a measly 45 minutes for Everton before his temporary move to South Yorkshire was completed. At 29, and with his homeland's trip to France looming, it was vital that he get some minutes before the season's up.

"I forgot what it was like to be a footballer," McGeady said. "I was training Monday to Friday and then having weekends off. Once it got to October/November, I knew I had to get out."

The former Celtic and Spartak Moscow man has already made his bow for the Owls, appearing as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Burnley on Tuesday. Carlos Carvalhal's outfit currently sits in seventh in the Championship, some eight points short of the automatic promotion places.

"There's 18 games left this season and a lot of points to be played for. There is not that big a gap between us and the top two," he said. "The ideal scenario for me is to come here and play and help the club to get towards that.

"The owners are ambitious and it is something I want to be a part of."

Next up for Sheffield Wednesday is a trip to Birmingham City on Saturday and McGeady will be hoping to usurp Fernando Forestieri or Ross Wallace on either flank.