Source: Team_Talk
McCourt frustrated at lack of chances
Celtic's Irish winger Paddy McCourt admits he is frustrated by a lack of matches for the Scottish Premier League club this season.[LNB] And he believes he has been left out so often that some people think he has been unavailable through injury.[LNB]But McCourt has assured interim boss Neil Lennon he is fit and raring to go as the Hoops head into the final five games of the SPL season.[LNB]"It's been frustrating but, to be honest, I have been fit for most of the year and I just haven't been getting picked," said McCourt[LNB]"I have had nowhere near as many injuries this year as last year.[LNB]"I don't know if people think I have been injured but most of the time I have been fit or included.[LNB]"I just want to be involved. However, you can't make a manager pick you so I will just keep working hard.[LNB]"Hopefully, I will get a few appearances and goals before the end of the season."[LNB]McCourt was a second-half substitute as Celtic crashed out of the Active Nation Scottish Cup to Irn-Bru First Division Ross County last weekend.[LNB]He insists there is no time for the Hoops to feel sorry for themselves as they prepare to welcome Hibernian on Saturday hoping to build on a midweek win over Motherwell.[LNB]McCourt told Celtic View: "No matter what happens on Saturday, it won't take away the disappointment of Hampden.[LNB]"However, as a player, you have a duty to the fans to bounce back and go out and put on a performance in the games ahead.[LNB]"We have to make sure we finish second and finish the season strongly.[LNB]"As everyone knows, it's been a disappointing season and you just don't want to let it play out.[LNB]"You just have to go out and win every game."[LNB]Failure to do that on Saturday would hand Rangers the chance to wrap up the SPL title when they host Hearts at lunchtime on Sunday.[LNB]But the visitors to Parkhead are not expecting to meet a side lacking confidence from their shock cup exit.[LNB]Hibs boss John Hughes watched Tuesday night's win over Motherwell and said: "I felt they got a right reaction for the first 15-20 minutes.[LNB]"They were right out of the traps, they were hungry, they were playing with a great tempo and desire, and they showed a great spirit - having gone a goal down - to come back and win it."[LNB]Those are qualities Hughes is desperate to instil in his own side on the back of just two wins from 13 games in all competitions.[LNB]The Easter Road boss believes the return of Kevin McBride from an ankle injury will add much-needed steel to the midfield.[LNB]"If he can show the form that he showed first half of the season - get back on it - he certainly can play that role," said Hughes.[LNB]"We need to shut the back door.[LNB]"We maybe have to change our shape, our system."[LNB]Hibs' slump sees arch-rivals Hearts breathing down their necks in the race for a European spot.[LNB]A bullish Hughes said: "They'll have to come and beat us then, won't they?[LNB]"Bring it on - simple as that."
