Paddy McCourt is hopeful of winning his fitness battle to face Utrecht tomorrow night in the Europa League.
The former Shamrock Rovers and Derry City hero suffered whiplash in a bizarre collision with Shaun Maloney immediately after scoring the only goal of the game against Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday.
As he rose from his grounded position McCourt collided full on with the on-rushing Maloney’s chest and left the pitch dazed as Celtic got their SPL campaign off to a winning start.
“I was lucky enough to divert the ball into the corner- and stupid enough to run straight into Shaun,” McCourt joked.
“As I got up to celebrate Shaun came running at me and we just collided. I had a bit of whiplash but thankfully it’s settling down quickly enough so I’m hoping to be available for Thursday.
“It was important to get off to a winning start in the SPL. In the first half hour we were still trying to get the match speed but I think that once we got that out of the road we started to play quite well and create a lot of chances.
“Winning is a good habit to build and keeping a clean sheet was a help, we’re going into the Utrecht game full of confidence.
“We want to beat Utrecht so we can get into the group stages and put together a good run in the Europa League.
“I’ve no doubts that the fans will get behind us, we’ve won our last two games against Braga and Inverness, we’re in good form and hopefully that can continue.”
No-one was happier than Neil Lennon with McCourt’s winning contribution at Inverness.
The new hoops boss is determined to get the most out of the Derryman and knows that he has a matchwinner in the 26-year-old.
Giving McCourt games is the key to raising his fitness levels but Lennon prefers to concentrate on ability rather than fitness issues.
He told the Celtic View: “Paddy has a great talent and it’s not the first time he has scored like that. It’s not a one-off and there’s more to come from him- he knows that and we know it.
“He is a great eliminator and once he is in with a chance he is a decent finisher as well. To hit the ball on the stretch as powerfully as he did was tremendous. It was a great finish and I’m pleased for him.”
Nikica Jelavic pantomime continues
Follow Video Celts on Twitter and Facebook
