Source: Team_Talk
McCourt has big boots to fill
Paddy McCourt faces the most important season of his Celtic career as he bids to prove he can fill the void left by Aiden McGeady.[LNB] The Republic of Ireland international has completed a reported £9.5million move to Spartak Moscow and McCourt concedes the departure of the winger will be a blow for the Hoops.[LNB]However, he knows the loss of one of their key players will also pave the way for someone else to stake a claim for first-team football and is determined to be the one who benefits.[LNB]"We have probably lost our best player in the league so he is going to leave a big hole but it's up to someone to step up to the plate and fill it," said McCourt.[LNB]Asked whether that person could be him, he replied: "I think so, me and maybe a couple of other boys.[LNB]"It's up to whoever gets the shout against Inverness tomorrow.[LNB]"They've got the jersey and it's up to them to hold onto it and I'm hoping it will be me.[LNB]"It's very important - it's the most important season since I've been here to be honest.[LNB]"The first one I found tough and I struggled a lot. Last year I was quite happy with the games when I did come in and play.[LNB]"This is the year where I really want to kick on and be a regular in the side."[LNB]McCourt was a target of newly-promoted Barclays Premier League side Blackpool but opted to sign a new three-year deal with Celtic instead and says it was an easy decision to make.[LNB]He said: "The thought of leaving here - the club I've supported all my life and dreamed of playing for - without actually winning anything was a thought that didn't excite me at all.[LNB]"I had a chat with the manager (Neil Lennon) and, the way he sees the club going forward in the next few years, I just wanted to stay and try to be a part of it.[LNB]"The manager was a big reason in the decision to sign a new contract.[LNB]"I had a few chats with him and he was pretty sure, if I could stay fit and injury-free, that I can have a big part to play. I hope he's right."[LNB]Celtic have already signed seven players this summer and Lennon has confirmed he would like to sign Manchester City's Craig Bellamy on loan, who has also emerged as a target for Fulham.[LNB]"It would be a massive boost for everyone if he came here," said McCourt.[LNB]"You saw the impact Robbie Keane had last year and Craig is up there in that bracket as a quality, proven Premier League player.[LNB]"To have someone like that in your side would give the team and the supporters a great morale boost."[LNB]
