Source: Team_Talk
Paddy can provide spark - McManus
The Irishman is the talk of the Hoops' support after scoring impressive solo goals in the last two games against Falkirk and St Mirren, in what were his first two starts since his move from Derry City in the summer of 2008.
Celtic will welcome back wide man Aiden McGeady if he recovers from an ankle injury.
However, McManus believes that McCourt, if he himself shrugs off a knock, would offer a similar threat to the Austrian club.
"Aiden's a big player for us," the Parkhead skipper said.
"But we have a big squad with players who are capable of filling in for each other.
"Paddy can offer something different on any stage he plays in, he is that type of player.
"He has come in for the last couple of games and been great.
"Everybody has had a chance to see what Paddy can do but if you have worked with him for a length of time, you knew what he is capable of and it's great having players like Aiden, Paddy and Shaun Maloney, especially after losing Shunsuke Nakamura in the summer."
The Scotland defender has played the last two games for the Hoops after starting the season on the bench following his recovery from a knee injury.
But McManus, who was almost an ever-present under former boss Gordon Strachan, insists he is not increasing his effort in order to retain his place.
"I'm not any more determined," he said. "I have self-belief and no doubt the other lads have but the most important thing is not individuals, it's about our club moving in the right direction and trying to win the SPL title back."
British Club to progress the Furthest Win Special: Celtic 11/4
