Paddy McCourt seeks European morale boost for Celtic and Scottish game

Paddy McCourt says progression in the Champions League would be a boost both to Celtic and to Scottish football as a whole.

The Northern Irishman is pushing for a starting berth in his side’s third qualifying round match with HJK next week, having impressed in the midweek friendly defeat to Norwich City.

Celtic haven’t reached the group stages of the competition since the 2008/09 season and McCourt is confident the current crop can return to the last 32.

“It is important for us, first and foremost,” he said. “We maybe need good news for the country and the league as a whole.

“It's more important for us as a team. We want to test ourselves there and, to be honest, that's where every player wants to be playing. We will be doing our utmost to do that.

“It is going to be difficult, there is no doubt about that. We've confidence in the players we have here and we will be going out on Wednesday to put on a good performance and hopefully take a lead back there.”

McCourt started as a holding midfielder in Celtic’s game with Norwich City, impressing those in attendance.

Having started just 16 of his 69 appearances for the club, the player says he is happy to return to the role if it means a regular berth.

“I don't really mind, to be honest. I know it is clichéd to say 'as long as I am in the team', but I genuinely mean that.

“If the manager sees me playing there, then I've got no problem playing there.

“I haven't played that role much, but I started to play there towards the end of last season and the start of this one. The more I play it, the more I am getting used to it.”

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