“The way he came back in pre-season, he was fully fit, he was really focused.

“We’ve seen already that he’s in a very good moment of form, he scored against Leicester in the first game, he had two assists against Chelsea and then the two goals he scored against Georgia.

“It shows you he’s in a great moment of form but I think it’s just as a consequence of the good work he’s done in pre-season.”

McGeady has struggled for consistency throughout his career but Martinez believes the 28-year-old is on course for a season-defining career.

“I know we’re going to see the best of Aiden McGeady this season,” Martinez predicted. “He’s probably going to be the best season in his career in the British game so it’s really, really exciting.”

Martinez’s comments came after McGeady put his sparkling form down to encouragement from his boss to play with freedom.

“Last season I was coming on and getting five, 10, 15 minutes here and there. This season I have felt more settled and part of the team. The more comfortable you become with your surroundings, the more you will play with freedom,” McGeady said.

“The manager and coaching staff have been great in saying that to me. They have given me pointers here and there about expressing myself and that’s what I’ve tried to do when I’ve been on the pitch.

“There were times last season when I was probably more concerned about not giving the ball away rather than taking a chance and doing what I was supposed to do.

“They have been very vocal and positive with me about that — they have been saying it doesn’t matter how many times I give the ball away, if I create a chance and we score from it then that’s the main thing.

“It’s about being more expressive and positive with my play.”