Paddy McCourt has revealed that his first goal at Celtic Park was the highlight of his career.
The former Derry City winger spent an eventful five years with Celtic appearing in 88 matches whole creating hundreds of memories.
Supporters drooled over his close control with his sheer ability rather than pace torturing defenders on the way to scoring 10 goals which were mainly of the solo variety.
McCourt took the scenic route to Celtic via Rochdale, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City and admits that after a brief spell in Division Three with Rochdale the thought of scoring for Celtic seemed highly unlikely.
Speaking to the Derry Journal he recalled: “The one highlight of my career, and it’s not winning a trophy, but scoring my first goal at Celtic Park.
“And the reason for that is I actually had dreams of scoring at Celtic Park. I felt I had let that go when I had that set-back at Rochdale.
“Self-doubt creeps in but I remember the night. It was Hearts at home and it was a very proud moment.
“It might never have happened if I hadn’t made the sacrifices I made and I have a lot of people to thank for that.”
Many teenagers return to Ireland disillusioned after failing to make it in England and resign themselves to a part-time career in the game.
Under Stephen Kenny at Derry City McCourt’s outlook to the game was completely revived- allowing him to live the dream at Celtic before going on to have spells with Barnsley, Brighton and Luton Town.
