McStay talks up McCourt quality

The former Derry City player has struggled with injury since signing for the Hoops last summer and his five first-team appearances to date have all come as substitute.However, he was instrumental in McStay's side winning the SPL Reserve League championship for the eighth time in a row with a 1-0 win over Old Firm rivals Rangers at Ibrox.It took a wonderful volley from Simon Ferry in the 70th minute to separate the sides but McCourt entertained the Celtic fans in the crowd of 2,384 with some silky skills.McStay believes the midfielder can step up to first-team level and contribute in the remaining SPL fives games as the champions, with a one point lead over Rangers, try to capture their fourth Clydesdale Bank Premier League title in succession.The former Celtic right-back said: "It was a testament to Paddy's ability that Rangers man-marked him which left space for other players."Paddy is a tremendous talent and a tremendous player to work with."He will take the ball under pressure and as I said to the boys, bravery is not just going to win your 50-50 tackles, it's taking the ball under pressure and being creative and he does that."The problem is that he came with a low base-level of fitness and his injuries have been in the back and the pelvis."Those injuries have been recurring and so he hasn't had a lot of time injury-free."But I don't think you can doubt his ability, he's got the potential to influence football matches and hopefully the Celtic fans will see something this season."His fitness is coming back again and he will be available to play from the bench, as I don't think he has the stamina to start matches."If he stays injury-free and has a good pre-season, then hopefully you will see more of him next season."Rangers midfielder Steven Naismith limped off in the second half with a calf injury following a challenge with Hoops defender Jason Marr but it is not feared too serious.

Source: Team_Talk