Paddy McCourt wants to weave his magic to keep Finn Harps in the Premier Division – with the former Celtic winger confirmed as a Harps player this morning.
The 33-year-old has been snapped up by Harps boss Ollie Horgan in what is a major coup for the Ballybofey club, who begin their 2017 season on Friday night with a home game against Cork City.
McCourt, dubbed ‘The Derry Pele’, had trained with League of Ireland champions Dundalk and spent a week on the Lilywhites’ training camp in Spain, but a move to Oriel Park didn’t materialise.
Harps assistant manager Paul Hegarty worked with McCourt – pictured today with Harps secretary John Campbell – during his time at Derry City and the 18-times capped Northern Ireland international has put pen to paper at Finn Park.
“It’s a good setup here with Ollie Horgan and Paul Hegarty who are doing a good job,” McCourt said.
“I’m looking forward now to being part of the squad for the new season and I want to play my part in keeping Harps in the Premier Division.”
While Harps are firm relegation favourites, the addition of McCourt to a squad that has already welcomed Ciaran O’Connor, Killian Cantwell, Danny Morrissey, Harry Doherty, Caolan McAleer and Jonny Bonner, is a real statement of intent from the club.
“Paddy is a very experienced player who we hope will be big asset to us for what is going to be a very tough season,” Horgan said.
“Paddy has come in late so it will take him a little time to get to know the other lads.
“He has that natural ability to make things happen and we will need him to produce that quality because we are going to be up against very well organized defences in this division. We hope his presence will give all at the club a bit of lift for Friday night’s game against Cork City.”
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