Paddy McCourt in an interview with the Derry Journal has insisted he is biding his time at Parkhead, until he gets the chance to prove his worth to the Celtic faithful.

The former Derry City midfielder who was transferred to Celtic for £100,000 admits that it was always going to take him time to improve his fitness after an injury-plagued final few months at the Brandywell and even believes he still has some way to go.

"The first two months here I put any thoughts of playing for the first team out of my head," he said.
"I knew I wasn't ready so there was no point worrying. Even now, I don't know if it's the right time.
"There's a big squad here and it is tough, but when the chance does come, I'll be ready."

I'm realistic. I know I was one of the top players in the League of Ireland, but this is a completely different standard.

"It's going to take time, but I just hope I can prove I deserve the chance to try and make an impact. I heard about all the comparisons and all I could do was laugh them off because as soon as I got here I realised how good the players (here) are."

Before his move to Celtic, West Brom 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 Celtic announced that Patrick had signed for the club for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a three year contract. After he had signed for Celtic, he quoted
"to get the chance to play for the club is unbelievable"

Celtic will bring 'the strongest possible squad' to Brandywell for next weeks friendly fixture, to celebrate Derry City Football Club's 80th year in existence.

The game was arranged as part of Paddy McCourt's transfer to the SPL giants a few months ago and hopefully Paddy can make a fleeting appearance for the Hoops