He said supporters no longer saw strength in wide areas that formed part of the club’s identity.

Several options have struggled to convince, while injuries have reduced the choices available to manager Martin O’Neill. McGeady said: “I could still get in there.

“If I could only play when the ball just comes to my feet and I don't have to do anything else, I'd be all right. Seriously, though, it's one of the most important parts of the team.

“Going all the way back to the 60s, it's been part of Celtic's DNA. You're looking at your striker and your two wide players as the three most important players for getting goals.

“It's something Celtic have always been built on, and it's a shame they don't have the options the fans are used to.”

Haissem Hassan has found it difficult to make an impact since joining from Real Oviedo in the summer. Sebastian Tounekti has struggled to establish himself. James Forrest remains an option, but the 35-year-old is no longer at the peak of his powers.

Yang Hyun-jun began the season well, but suffered a hamstring injury before South Korea’s Asian Games triumph. Supporters are waiting for Jota’s return. The Portuguese winger is nearing his comeback after an 18-month absence caused by a serious ACL injury.

McGeady urged supporters to keep expectations under control. He said: “It's important to get great players like Jota back.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him, because he's been out for 18 months. People are expecting him to come back and be the same player he was before, but that will be difficult.

“It's going to take a lot of time to get his fitness back up to scratch.”

O’Neill faces a decision over how to use Kasper Hogh, who joined Celtic from Bodo/Glimt.

Camilo Duran has impressed in a wide role at times this season, but McGeady believes the Colombian is more effective through the middle. He said: “I prefer Duran in the middle.

"He's nullified playing on the side. It's that conundrum of what Martin does about his team. He wants to play Hogh, but how does he get Duran in?

"He'd have to go two up front.”