Personal

Fullname: Patrick McCourt
aka: Paddy McCourt
Born: 16 Dec 1983
Birthplace: Derry, Ireland
Height: 5.11
Position: Winger/Midfielder
Nationality: N Irish
Internationals: N Ireland ([TBC for caps, goals])
Signed: 19 June 08
Fee £200k

Biog

Winger Pat McCourt was a surprise signing when he became the Bhoys first buy of summer 2008.

The 24-year-old Northern Ireland internationalist agreed a three-year deal with the SPL champions after finalising his transfer on June 19th. The Derry City man’s contract was set to expire in November and he was expected to join West Bromwich Albion in England’s Premiership for a reported fee of little more than £50,000. But at the eleventh hour McCourt headed north to join the Hoops for an undisclosed sum.

The 24-year-old McCourt had moved to England as a 16 year old to join Rochdale but was released in 2005. After an unsuccessful trial with Motherwell he returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers and after a brief spell in Dublin joined his home town club Derry.

A skilful wideman and comfortable on the right and left flanks, McCourt is a former FAI Young Player of the Year who earned rave reviews for his performances with Derry. At the Brandywell Pat was unquestionably one of Derry's standout performers in the League of Ireland and had also caught the eye in the UEFA Cup with his displays against IFK Gothenburg and PSG.

Off the field issues, fitness problems and a poor attitude have all reportedly dogged McCourt over the years and despite his undoubted talent it looked like his potential would never be fulfilled. The problem is though that he was lumped with the unenviable tag of "the new George Best". Managers have gushed over his ability, yet even against lower opposition in England he has been found wanting. No denying some of his touches and performances, but few and far between did mean that he was fast becoming a bit of lost wonder. Managers gushed over him but it's on the field that matters.

His form in early 2009 however suggests that Pat could still yet go on to play at the top level. The high profile and high pressure nature of life with Celtic will now be by far the biggest challenge McCourt has faced in his career.

[....]

Honours

KDS Honours
MOTM Winners 2009-10
23-Sep-09	Falkirk 0-4 Celtic	League Cup
26-Sep-09	St Mirren 0-2 Celtic	SPL
Sep 09	Sep Player of the Month

Pictures

• Player Pics
  

Quotes

“I’m thrilled and it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet to be honest,” he smiled, just seconds after signing on the dotted line for his beloved Hoops. “This is a dream come true for me. There was interest from a few clubs but as soon as I found out that Celtic were in forme, my mind was made up. I have always been a Celtic supporter and there was only one choice to make. It's an honour to join one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s been awhirlwind 24 hours, but I’m just delighted to get everything sorted out. To sign for this club is a dream and when I get back home tonight, it might all finally sink in. It’s just been an incredible day."
McCourt said: “I’m joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. Celtic have won the SPL title three times in a row and compete in the Champions League every season. What more could you ask for? My first target is to get a good pre-season under my belt and then take it from there. The quality in the Celtic squad is unbelievable but I’ll be trying to push my way into the manager’s plans as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get started."
Paddy McCourt on being signed