Real name	Patrick McCourt
Height	5.11
Weight	?
Date of birth	16/12/1983
Place of birth	Derry, Ireland
Position	Winger
Nationality	Irish
International Caps (to May 07)	1
International Goals (to May 07)	0

Signed on	19/06/08
Fee	£200k

Summary
Winger Pat McCourt was a surprise signing when he became the Bhoys first buy of summer 2008.

The 24-year-old Northern Ireland internationalist agreed a three-year deal with the SPL champions after finalising his transfer on June 19th. The Derry City man’s contract was set to expire in November and he was expected to join West Bromwich Albion in England’s Premiership for a reported fee of little more than £50,000. But at the eleventh hour McCourt headed north to join the Hoops for an undisclosed sum.

The 24-year-old McCourt had moved to England as a 16 year old to join Rochdale but was released in 2005. After an unsuccessful trial with Motherwell he returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers and after a brief spell in Dublin joined his home town club Derry.

A skilful wideman and comfortable on the right and left flanks, McCourt is a former FAI Young Player of the Year who earned rave reviews for his performances last season. At the Brandywell Pat was unquestionably one of Derry's standout performers in the League of Ireland and had also caught the eye in the UEFA Cup with his displays against IFK Gothenburg and PSG.

Off the field issues, fitness problems and a poor attitude have all reportedly dogged McCourt over the years and despite his undoubted talent it looked like his potential would never be fulfilled. His recent form however suggests that Pat could still yet go on to play at the top level. The high profile and high pressure nature of life with Celtic will now be by far the biggest challenge McCourt has faced in his career.

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Quotes

“I’m thrilled and it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet to be honest,” he smiled, just seconds after signing on the dotted line for his beloved Hoops. “This is a dream come true for me.

“There was interest from a few clubs but as soon as I found out that Celtic were in forme, my mind was made up. I have always been a Celtic supporter and there was only one choice to make. It's an honour to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“It’s been awhirlwind 24 hours, but I’m just delighted to get everything sorted out. To sign for this club is a dream and when I get back home tonight, it might all finally sink in. It’s just been an incredible day.”

McCourt said: “I’m joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. Celtic have won the SPL title three times in a row and compete in the Champions League every season. What more could you ask for?

“My first target is to get a good pre-season under my belt and then take it from there. The quality in the Celtic squad is unbelievable but I’ll be trying to push my way into the manager’s plans as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get started."