Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Paddy McCourt

Patrick "Paddy" McCourt (born 16 December 1983 in Derry), is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a winger with Scottish Premier League club Celtic. Before joining Celtic from Derry City, played in the League of Ireland. He is the brother of former Derry City striker Harry McCourt. He has played twice for the Northern Irish national team.

McCourt, educated at Steelstown Primary School in Derry, began his career with an early move from Foyle Harps to Rochdale on a youth team contract and was billed as a promising winger.His potential quickly persuaded the Spotland club to sign him on a 3 and a half year contract in December 2001, shortly after making his debut against Kidderminster Harriers. His first season ended with 23 appearances and 4 goals. This was complemented by the 9 caps he received at Under 21 level for Northern Ireland. In June 2002, he seemed to have the world at his feet when the then Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy handed him his senior international debut against the might of Spain at Windsor Park. This came at the peak of McCourt's career, and he attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs during 2002-03, including Blackburn Rovers. A formal bid of £1.5m was made by Manchester City, however, this was rejected by Rochdale and the deal fell through.


In June 2008 Derry City agreed a fee with Celtic, Barcelona, Inter Milan & Bayern Munich for the services of McCourt. Barcelona & Inter Milan had agreed terms with both player and club, but the lure of joining the club he supported as a boy persuaded McCourt to move to Glasgow. On 19 June 2008 Patrick signed for the club for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a three year contract. On 8 July 2008 Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said that McCourt was likely to be recalled to the national squad. He made his competitive debut for Celtic on 25 October 2008 in the 4-2 win over Hibernian setting up 4 goals. He has featured prominently for the Celtic reserve team and won many plaudits for his performances, particularly in the game on 28 April 2009 against Rangers which clinched the Scottish Premier Reserve League title for Celtic for the 8th season in succession, a career high point for him. He also appeared at the inaugural Wembley Cup in which he excelled for Celtic, an appearance memorable in particular for a mazy dribble past several Spurs players. He featured in another of Celtic's pre- season friendly matches against another English side Manchester City on 8 August 2009 at Eastlands, and he was again in good form, producing another mazy dribble in the second half, which took him past 4 Man City players, before sending a dangerous cross into the box. Paddy is expected to lift the Europa League Cup this season as stand in skipper.