McCourt to hold talks with Celtic

After facing the prospect of a massive jump in class with a move to West Bromwich Albion, Derry City's Paddy McCourt may now be playing Champions League football with Celtic next season.

Premier League newcomers West Brom looked all set to sign the winger earlier this week but, despite holding talks with McCourt yesterday, ended negotiations after Celtic made their interest known.

The Northern Ireland international, who was capped once by Sammy McIlroy in a 5-0 defeat to Spain in 2002, is reportedly due to open talks with Celtic in the next few days.

"Albion can confirm they have ended their interest in Derry City winger Patrick McCourt," a statement from West Brom read today. "The Baggies last week agreed a fee with the Eircom League club for the former Rochdale man, who arrived in the Black Country for talks yesterday."

Manager Tony Mowbray explained: "While we are trying to get the first team right for the Premier League, we are also looking to bring in players to strengthen the underbelly of the club.

"It's a process we started last season and Pat was one of a few players we are looking to bring in - but on our terms.

"However, during the club's discussions with Pat, it became clear he has other options where he feels he may have a greater opportunity to play first team football and we wish him all the best."

In a previous attempt to sign McCourt the Baggies had offered €63,000, a fee seen as derisory by the Brandywell club.  It is not clear what the latest fee was but what is certain is that Celtic can match it.

The 24-year-old may also see Scottish Premier League as an easier place than its southern equivalent to stake a claim for a starting place, while Celtic have deeper pockets than the Championship winners.

McCourt has been in Scotland before when on trial at Motherwell, but the move never materialised and he moved to Rovers before returning to his hometown club.

He as consistently proved to be one of the eircom League's most exciting talents but doubts remain as to whether he has the ability to succeed in leagues of a higher standard, let alone the Champions League where the Scottish champions will be eager to improve their record this season.

McIl;roy, however, believes Celtic could be the ideal place to reignite a once promising career. "Gordon Strachan is at Celtic and hopefully he can get him playing to his strengths again," he said today. "It could be a good move for him if he does go to Celtic.

"It depends on the boy's attitude but Celtic could be the kick-start he needs.

"I had him as a young boy and, when he played at Rochdale, you could see the ability and skill that he had straight away.

"It was a matter of sticking at it and I was shocked that he didn't kick on, to be honest."