Midfielder Aiden McGeady admits a lack of first-team action could jeopardise future contract talks with Celtic.

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international has 18 months of his present deal to run and is currently losing his battle with Shaun Maloney for the left midfield position.

But both were left out of the starting line-up for the dramatic Champions League win over Manchester United which sent Celtic through to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time.

McGeady's disappointment at watching yet another huge match at Celtic Park from the sidelines could affect his future career plans.

"I'm in competition with Shaun for a place on the left-hand side of midfield," he said. "I think we were both surprised when the team was read out for the United game.

"I'd been looking forward to the game because I thought I might play.

"Not getting a regular game could have a bearing on my contract talks because I can't commit myself to a long-term deal if I can't get a game.

"I feel I should be getting more time on the pitch. But all I can do is play as well as I can in training and hope that's good enough to get me a game.

"I was happy as anybody that the side beat Manchester United and made the last 16 in the Champions League, but to not get on the park was a disappointment."

McGeady should still be around when the knockout stages of the Champions League begin early next year and the playmaker is hoping Celtic will draw one of Europe's big guns.

He added: "I want Barcelona or Real Madrid, even if it does mean there is a greater chance of going out of the competition.

"Manchester United outplayed us to begin with on Tuesday night and I think everybody could see that.

"A draw might have been a fairer result but to win was unbelievable. At least we know the standard we have to aim at when the time comes for the next round."

Celtic return to Bank of Scotland Premier League business tomorrow when they take on Hibernian at Easter Road.