Paddy McCourt

Name: Patrick “Paddy” McCourt

Position: Midfielder

Born: 16 Dec, 1983

Birthplace: Derry, Ireland

Signed from: Derry City

National Team: Northern Ireland

Paddy was born in Derry, Northern Ireland on December 16^th 1983. As a young lad Paddy played football for Foyle Harps before signing a youth contact with Rochdale. Not long after joining Rochdale he showed his magic and was given a 3 1/2 year contract on December 2001. His first season with “The Dales” finished with 4 goals in 23 appearances. Also in that year Paddy received 9 caps with Northern Irelands U-21 team. Then in June 2002 he then went on to make his first appearance for Northern Ireland’s senior squad. This match was played at Windsor Park against the stylish and powerful Spaniards. Things were looking up for Paddy when he started getting attention from a few Premier League clubs including Blackburn Rovers. The next season Paddy would fail to impress at Rochdale and went on a few trials including Norwich City and Crewe Alexandra. Not long after in 2005 Paddy left Rochdale and went on another trial, but this time with SPL side Motherwell. Again Paddy did not impress and was sent off only after a 2 week stay. Things were not looking good for the Derryman but soon he was given a second chance. Dublin’s own Shamrock Rovers then signed Paddy and soon became a fan favorite after his arrival scoring 3 goals in his first 6 appearances. Shamrock Rovers went into finical problems and were forced to sell Paddy. He ended his Rovers spell with 7 goals in17 appearances and won the “Professional Footballers Association of Ireland award of 'Young Player of the Year.”. Next Paddy would find himself back in his hometown playing for the local League of Ireland team Derry City. In the 2005 and 2006 seasons the “Candystripes” finished second with the help of the Derry born winger. In 2007 he got on the score sheet 6 times in 31 appearances. Soon Paddy would go on to join his “bhoyhood” hero’s the mighty Glasgow Celtic.

Paddy made his move finalized on June 19^th 2008 after traveling to Glasgow and passing his medical at Lennontown. McCourt made his first debut for Celtic that October against Hibs in a 4-2 win for the Bhoys. After that Paddy featured mostly in reserve games but his highlight was helping the Celtic reserves clinch the Reserve League Title against Rangers. McCourt’s first goal for Celtic was during a League Cup match at Falkirk. His goal would solidify him as an attacking threat after beating 5 defenders and chipping the keeper. Three days later he went on to score his first SPL goal in his first league match against St Mirren. Again it was a thing of beauty after beating a handful of defenders then beating the keeper. Since then we have been entertained by the magical dribbling, supreme skills and flair that destroys opposing defenders. Paddy McCourt brings an element to the team that makes him a real threat for opponents. His ability to beat defenders with a quick move and sublime on the ball skill has rewarded him with the echoes of “Paddy McCourt’s Fenian Army” being belted out by the Celtic Support.