Some Celtic fans are raving and hailing their club’s former winger Paddy McCourt as he celebrates his 35th birthday today.
In what was a rather journey-man playing career for the Londonderry-born Northern Ireland star, he had played for Celtic, Brighton, Luton, Barnsley, Derry and Rochdale as well. But McCourt is. perhaps, most famous for a stint with the Hoops, who had the player for a five-year period from 2008 to 2013.
Celtic fans: Is McCourt the most talented player in recent Celtic history?
He sure is!
There's many better!
Many Hoops fans were paying tribute to the former player on social media and posted videos about some of his moments from his time at Parkhead. And they are raving about what a player he was for them.
With a dip of the shoulder defenders would be half way to the pie stand
What a player to watch— Wladek Wolanski (@Spartackle) December 16, 2019
The Derry Pele.. absolutely amazing to watch!!
— Jason (@JasonR1888) December 16, 2019
What a player, incredible feet.
— Garry Munro (@GM_22222) December 16, 2019
Sublimely talented, made it all look so effortless
— Mick oh my days!!! (@micksasloey) December 16, 2019
@ThomasDobbin better dribbler then George best?
— PC Keel (@harrisonkeel) December 16, 2019
What a player!! My favourite LOI player and that’s hard to say from a St Pat’s fan
— mob (@spafc) December 16, 2019
McCourt had joined Celtic from Derry City in the summer of 2008 for a fee of £243k (via Transfermarkt). He left the club in the summer of 2013 for Barnsley and joined the then Championship club for free.
During his time at Parkhead, he played a total of 88 games in all competitions for the Hoops. He racked up a tally of ten goals and nine assists. He won two Premiership titles, also winning two Scottish Cup crowns.
In his last season at the club, he played 20 times in all competitions for the Hoops. He scored zero times but had one assist to his name. In his first season at the club, he had played only four games in all competitions.
His best season came in the 2010-11 campaign. McCourt played 32 games for the club, racking up a tally of six goals and three assists as well.
What do we think?
McCourt was a real talent on his day. His numbers don’t show that, but the way he glided onto the pitch was a reflection of that. But if not for bad fitness and other issues, he could have racked up more and better numbers.