Paddy Power: McCourt agrees to new Celtic deal Pic: ©SNS Group
Paddy McCourt has agreed to extend his stay at Celtic for another two years on top of his current contract. The Northern Irishman is contracted for another year at the Parkhead club but a new deal, which is close to completion, will see him remain at Celtic until 2013.
McCourt has gathered interest from Blackpool manager Ian Holloway, who had two bids for the player rejected. It is believed the 26-year-old wants to remain at the club in order to make his mark at Celtic.
A boyhood Celtic fan, McCourt has become somewhat of a cult hero to the Hoops fans despite failing to feature regularly since arriving from Derry City in 2008.
However, he featured regularly in Celtic’s pre-season games in the US but was left out of the side that went down 3-0 to Sporting Braga in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifier in Portugal on Wednesday.
McCourt will have plenty of company in the squad following a string of singings over the summer by manager Neil Lennon, the latest of which, Beram Kayal, signed on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Israeli became the seventh new recruit when he signed a four-year contract and completing the move from Maccabi Haifa.
“I am absolutely delighted to commit my future to Celtic," McCourt told Celtic's official website. "As a Celtic supporter, everyone knows the feeling I have for the club.
“It was an absolute dream come true to sign for the club in the first place. This is where I want to play my football and I now look forward to the challenges ahead and fighting for my place in the team.”
