Twelve years ago today Celtic signed Paddy McCourt from Derry City, this morning the maverick winger was getting Birthday messages on social media!
A few video clips seemed to impact on Celtic fans who responded by sending birthday wishes over to Derry.
Thanks Folks but my birthday isn’t until December ??????. https://t.co/r5h9dflZs9
— Paddy McCourt (@PaddyMcCourt15) June 19, 2020
Every day is Paddy McCourt goals day ?
— The Good Guy (@DalyBhoy1888) June 19, 2020
Paddy McCourt could do things with a football that Lionel Messi can only dream of. https://t.co/5IjHy4kLDh
— Carter (@CarterM_99) June 19, 2020
the Derry Pele’ ….arguably our most gifted player “on the ball” since Jinky….I still believe we could have used him more …Paddy what was the issue ? fitness? injury ?clash with manager ? tactics ? why do you feel you didn’t play as much ?
— SmiddyBhoy (@SmiddyBhoy1) June 19, 2020
All the ability in the world. Paddy was an absolute beaut of a player.
— The Celtic Poet (@macroibin) June 18, 2020
Sat behind the goal for his one v st midden was some view hard not to celebrate
— gary mac (@garyjohnmcnally) June 18, 2020
Little was seen of McCourt in his first season at Celtic although coverage of reserve matches produced the occasional wonder goal.
With Tony Mowbray replacing Gordon Strachan McCourt was given his chance, he responded brilliantly with solo goals against Falkirk and St Mirren that even the greatest players in the game would have been proud of.
The secret was out. Celtic had an incredible talent on their hands but for some reason McCourt didn’t quite fit into the team.
Internet rumours suggested training and fitness issues which McCourt has confirmed since retiring from the game but what a talent. A player that literally got supporters out of their seat.
McCourt on form made opponents look like 5-a-side players. Virtually in slow motion he could sell them a dummy, sometimes to two or three players at once, when given a sight of goal he rarely failed to deliver.
In 2013 his Celtic career came to an end. Next up he graced Barnsley, Brighton and Luton before returning to Ireland. As Derry City’s Director of Football young players at the club couldn’t have a better mentor.
