Paddy McCourt has told Celtic supporters he can be the man to fill the void left by Aiden McGeady should his fellow winger quit Parkhead this summer.
McCourt signed a new three-year contract on Friday, ending speculation he could leave his boyhood idols for Barclays Premier League new boys Blackpool.
If McGeady decides to leave the club, McCourt believes it would give him a better chance of finally showing what he can do. "If he does leave, it'll definitely open up a space for me and it'll be up to me to grab it," said McCourt.
Lennon openly compared the two players in expressing his delight at McCourt's decision to sign on.
"You're talking about McGeady, you're talking about people entertaining crowds," he said.
"I think traditionally the club has had that over the years - players who can beat people, eliminate people, take them out of the game.
"I want that in my team and Paddy certainly comes into that category."
McCourt admitted Celtic's fans had not seen the best of him following an injury-plagued start to life in a Hoops jersey.
"I think I've only made 19 appearances in two years, so there's a lot more to come," he said.
"That was for different reasons - injuries and fitness reasons - when I first came. But luckily I'm winning that battle at the moment so I'm hoping this could be my year to kick on and show my best."
Source: PA
