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Watch Paddy McCourt’s pre-season confessions

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Paddy McCourt has recalled his first experience of pre-season training with Celtic- and claimed that he lagged behind Danny McGrain.

Fresh from the League of Ireland in the summer of 2008 the Derry Pele found himself well out of his comfort zone as Gordon Strachan put his squad through their paces.

With a ball at his feet no one could get near McCourt but when it came to lapping the pitches the winger found himself behind Celtic legend McGrain.

Asked about running with the then 58-year-old McCourt told Si Ferry: “No, he was in front of me, I was trying to catch him!”

Looking at his relationship with Strachan McCourt admitted: “He took a while to warm up to you, especially after I’d been out for three months before I signed.

My fitness at the best of times in terms of my long running and stuff is not great.

It was funny actually, we did this running on the first day, a two mile jog. After the first two minutes I’m two pitches behind everybody right, it’s only a jog!

It was only 30 minutes, and I came in afterwards and said, ‘Oh boys, Jesus… that was a hard one’.”

McCourt only started 20 matches as a Celtic player but made more than 70 substitute appearances leaving supporters with unforgettable memories of his mazy solo goals.

After leaving Celtic he had spells with Barnsley, Brighton and Luton Town before returning to Ireland where he will take up a coaching role within the Derry City Academy whilst also playing for Finn Harps.

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