DRAWING on-field applause from Italian legend Alessandro Nesta would surely convince most players they were doing something right.

That the acclaim came when the target in question was just 18 - and produced a man-of-the- match performance against AC Milan - would suggest further invitation to believe that a ticket to the big time had arrived.

The arrival of Gordon Strachan at Parkhead, however, has seen a steady maturing in Aiden McGeady's game and the 20-year-old is much improved from the player who raised a few Italian eyebrows just over two years ago when Celtic last faced AC Milan in Glasgow.

The show doesn't come much bigger than the latter stages of the Champions League.

And, as the Hoops prepare for their tantalising tie against the Serie A side, McGeady's primary concern is keeping his place in the side before he can indulge himself with thoughts of having another run at the legendary AC Milan defence.

"That night seems like a long time ago," said McGeady. "I have looked back on the Nesta thing once or twice and it does bring a smile to my face, but I would like to be able to do that again this time.

"I think I am a better player than I was then. I add more to the overall team rather than just getting the ball and running at players with my head down.

"I have worked harder to make myself more important to the team in terms of setting other people up and maybe weighing in with the odd goal, but I do think I have matured a lot since that game and I'm definitely a lot more disciplined with my tracking back.

"The game isn't far off now and it is getting quite exciting. When we initially got through the group stages and the draw was made, it seemed like such a long way away that you don't really think about it at all... but all of a sudden it's here. Everyone is looking forward to it.

"I am desperate to start because it's a massive game and when you are playing for Celtic you want to be involved in these kind of nights because they are a bit special."

After a week of hand-wringing and procrastination, it now looks like the game will go ahead in the San Siro with both sets of supporters allowed in.

If it has been a long wait to get to the decision, McGeady is just relieved that there will be a chance to turn out in the San Siro.

"The last game that we played there I was in the squad but I didn't start - I was on the bench," he said. "It was a pretty special atmosphere and the stadium itself is impressive.

"I've never played in a closed-doors game and it would really have detracted something from the match, because at this stage of the competition you want the crowd to be there and be excited - that transmits to the players.

"There was talk of the game being played elsewhere, but playing it in the San Siro is the ideal situation."

While McGeady has risen to prominence in the Celtic first team through his performances on the flank, he is keen to extend his repertoire as his career progresses.

Strachan this season has often hailed Shunsuke Nakamura , as the Japanese star has produced some special moments in big games to turn things in Celtic's favour, and it is this role of the playmaker to which McGeady wishes to aspire.

Certainly, with an ability to take the ball on either foot and the skill to beat his man, it is a position that shouldn't be beyond the Republic of Ireland international, if he continues to pay heed to the advice administered by his manager.

"I would like eventually to be seen as able to play in that role," he said. "At the minute it's different, as Naka has a little bit more freedom than me and I think the manager sees him as the playmaker of the team.

"Eventually I would like to play a more central role.

"I came into the first team playing on the left and I have got used to it.

"But, as I progress in my career, it would be nice to be involved in a role through the middle where you can influence things a bit more.

"Just now, you need to wait until people get the ball out to you rather than going chasing for it and it can be quite a disciplined role to play when you are on the flank."

With Shaun Maloney heading off to pastures new, it has been left to McGeady and Derek Riordan to wrestle for the left-midfield position.

While Riordan staked his claim in recent weeks with three goals in two games before getting injured on international duty, McGeady was content to tee up Craig Beattie for the only goal of the game against Hibs at the weekend. Strachan has already said this season that having such competition inspires the best in players, but McGeady isn't convinced that it has to be one or the other in the starting XI.

"I think it keeps you on your toes but I don't think it is just between Derek and I," he said.

"Whoever has gone into the team has done well and we can both play in different positions rather than just on the flank, so there's no reason why we both can't play."

McGeady signed a new four-and-a-half year deal with the club last week to secure his Parkhead future and he believes that there is more to come from him in the Hoops.

"I think this has been my most consistent season because I have probably started more games than in any other," he said. "Overall I'm pleased with how things have gone and getting the new contract sorted out was good, but I still think there is room for improvement from me.

"My main thing is to try and set up goals and goalscoring has been something of a secondary aim.

"My crossing isn't the best part of my game but it's important that I work on getting as many crosses into the box and it was nice to see it come off against Hibs at the weekend."

Another step in the right direction, then.