Paddy McCourt's nephew has clear plan as Premier League switch turned down
It looks like another McCourt could be lighting up football stadiums in the not too distant future.
Paddy McCourt is an iconic figure amongst football fans on these shores. The 'Derry Pele' was one of those players who wowed the crowds with his slalom-like runs and coolness in front of goal.
Nothing showed this better than his legendary run and goal for Northern Ireland against the Faroe Islands back in 2011. It's regarded as one of the best ever goals scored at Windsor Park and is still talked about today.
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Scoring goals like this a regular occurrence for McCourt throughout his career. He is a cult hero a Celtic because of the goals he scored during his time at Parkhead which left the fans in awe and saw him attract the attention of Premier League clubs.
McCourt's ability to leave defenders in his wake before producing a finish to match was shown perfectly by his iconic goals against Falkirk, St Mirren and St Johnstone during a purple patch when he first made the move to Glasgow.
Now there's another McCourt on the scene, who has dreams of playing at the highest level. Clubs are already said to be showing an interest in Glenn McCourt, nephew of Paddy, with his current club, Derry City, having turned down ‘two concrete and sizeable offers’ from English Premier League clubs.
The 16-year-old, who signed his first professional deal with the Candystripes in the summer, has big ambitions. But McCourt wants to remain with his hometown club a little longer to gain some valuable senior experience.
“I can understand why lads are tempted to go across, but I know myself that I’m not ready just yet,” he told the Derry website. “I haven’t played any men’s senior football yet and I don’t see much point in going across just to play more Academy football for a couple of years.
“Standard-wise the league of Ireland is a much better option and my first target is to make it into the senior squad here and complete for a place in that. My ambition remains to play at the highest level possible and I’m desperate to make that happen.
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“For me though, I’d much rather do that at 17 with some senior experience under my belt and make it a permanent move, rather than do it before I feel ready and end up back here a year later."
The teenager is pleased to have his uncle on hand to offer up advice as he looks to kick on over the coming months with a League of Ireland debut with Derry on his wish list.
“I’ve been very lucky to have someone like my uncle Paddy to talk to, and my parents have been so supportive of any decisions I’ve made," he said. “I’m in the right place for me now at this point in my development. Nothing has changed in terms of what I want to do in the future, but I also can’t wait to make my senior League of Ireland debut with Derry City at the Brandywell.”
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