Paddy McCourt is sick of having his fitness questioned- even when it comes from Neil Lennon.
The former Derry winger has become a cult figure at Celtic but has been dogged throughout his hoops career with questions over his fitness.
In two seasons at the club the 26-year-old has still to complete a competitive ninety minutes but was rewarded with a two year contract extension last month.
McCourt’s ability can’t be questioned, his languid style bamboozles opponents while he’s almost demonstrated a mean streak when presented with a sight of goal.
Tackling the fitness question head on he said: “When I first came in, they were valid questions because I was struggling badly. But now I have been here for two years and I feel great.
“You watch me play and I don’t know if I look fitter to you. But when I play I feel good. I feel I can play games no problem.
“When I first came in I was miles behind but I had missed a lot of training and been out for a few months and I don’t know why this issue keeps popping up now. I felt I did my job on the pitch against Blackburn and put in a good performance.
“It’s up to me to keep putting in performances, playing 90 minutes and hopefully that will answer the questions.”
It’s doubtful if any player at Celtic has their game more closely scrutinised.
Whether he’s out on the wing or across the midfield McCourt’s game is all abou committing opponents and creating space for himself or a team-mate.
Keeping that going for ninety minutes would be impossible with McCourt dismissing the notion that he needs to take a break during matches.
“Do I feel myself taking breathers in games? No, I don’t,” he responded.
“When you play on the wing, you can’t have the ball for 90 minutes. You might get ten or 15 minutes when the ball doesn’t come to you and you are not getting a kick.
“That’s not me taking a breather, it’s just the way the game is played but there is no need for me to go and speak to the gaffer. I don’t think he is being over-critical.
“He has been here since I joined the club and saw me when I was really unfit.
“He’s probably thinking that, although I’m a lot better, I can still improve – and that’s fine but the only way I’ll get better now is by playing 90 minutes on a regular basis.
“You can do all the running and afternoon sessions you want, but unless you are playing 90 minutes regularly you are not going to get any more match fit.
“Pre-season friendlies and bounce games don’t have the same tempo. I’m just hoping I can really kick on this year.
“If I get three or four matches in a row, it’s up to me to keep hold of that jersey. I’ve not had a run of first-team games and that’s what you need.”
McCourt is likely to start the season on the bench this afternoon at Inverness.
Neil Lennon has to name three u-21 players in his matchday squad of 18 but it’s increasingly looking like McCourt will be the first choice substitute with his ability to change the course of a match.
Neil Lennon on Martin O’Neill links
Follow Video Celts on Twitter and Facebook
McCourt is an amazing talent. Lets hope he gets the chance to prove it this season.
He’s big enough to admit that he did have a fitness problem…we all knew about that….
now he has to prove that’s in the past and step up to the mark….
His talent is awesome and if he can keep fit and healthy …we have a player and a half on our hands.
‘Mon the ‘Tic….
Paddy is a true, naturally gifted player with loads of tricks up his sleeve. He looks to have more flair than McGeady and if he can show he can last 90 mins consistently then he’ll be doing more than ‘filling the gap’ left by McGeady as i think he’ll be a real danger to the opposition goal. He’s still got a lot of improving to do and if he gets games he’ll continue to do that. Very exciting player to have at Celtic- HAIL HAIL!
There is one area that Paddy is clearly better than Aiden- finishing.
When he gets a chance he expects to score, the goals at Falkirk and St Mirren last season were amazing, the goal at St Johnstone was awesome- a very fierce finish from someone that expects to score.