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GORDON STRACHAN'S FIRST SUMMER SIGNING
By Trialist
Last night Celtic announced Gordon Strachan's first signing of the summer transfer window, but it's not Michal Kadlec, Dario Simic, Jerko Leko, Stilian Petrov or Roman Pavlyuchenko.
It is in fact 24-year old winger Pat McCourt, who has signed a three-year deal with the three-in-a-row SPL Champions.
Pat McCourt joins the Hoops from Derry City for a fee reported as £150,000 after Celtic hijacked the Northern Ireland international's expected move to West Brom.
Remarkably, when STV's Scotland Today sports news were reporting Patrick McCourt's imminent transfer to Celtic, they showed footage of the Irishman scoring a goal, and not the more culturally traditional footage – missing a sitter, being red-carded or mugging an old lady for her pension money.
Last night the Club announced:
“Celtic Football Club have tonight completed the signing of highly-rated Derry City winger Patrick McCourt.
The 24-year-old Northern Ireland internationalist agreed a three-year deal with the SPL champions after finalising his transfer on Thursday.
He will join up with Gordon Strachan's squad for the start of pre-season training next month.”
After signing for the Hoops, the former Rochdale, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City winger expressed how delighted he was to sign for the Club he has always supported.
Pat McCourt told the Celtic website: “I'm thrilled and it still hasn't quite sunk in yet to be honest. This is a dream come true for me.”
Pat McCourt continued: “There was interest from a few clubs but as soon as I found out that Celtic were in for me, my mind was made up. I have always been a Celtic supporter and there was only one choice to make. It's an honour to join one of the biggest Clubs in the world.”
Pat McCourt explained: “It's been a whirlwind 24 hours, but I'm just delighted to get everything sorted out. To sign for this Club is a dream and when I get back home tonight, it might all finally sink in. It's just been an incredible day.”
Pat McCourt said: “I'm joining one of the biggest Clubs in the world. Celtic have won the SPL title three times in a row and compete in the Champions League every season. What more could you ask for?”
Pat McCourt added: “My first target is to get a good pre-season under my belt and then take it from there. The quality in the Celtic squad is unbelievable but I'll be trying to push my way into the Manager's plans as soon as possible. I can't wait to get started.”
‘Hail! Hail!' and welcome to Paradise, Patrick McCourt.
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