Paddy McCourt: Why does he receive the adulation he does from our fans?

In the past 4 years he has had a total of 69 appearances returning 10 goals. 50 of his appearances came during the period when Rangers won 3IAR and last season, when we won the league for the first time in 4 years, he didn't start a single SPL match. He was in contention to start in 20 odd European games and I believe he has started just one: An average run out against Rennes. In 10 Cup Finals and Semi Finals during his time at Celtic, he has made just 5 appearances and every single one of them was from the bench with 20-30 minutes to go.

Without question he has natural talent, good close control and without pressure from opposing defenders he can pass the ball well. However he cannot be trusted from the start of matches, which all 3 of his respective Celtic managers have indicated, and has poor fitness for a professional football player of 28 years. For a winger he can't cross the ball well, he has no signs of being able to "rough up" an opposing player and has absolutely no pace. He only really had a good spell in the first team between December 2010 and January 2011 - Including a good appearance at Ibrox - but Kris Commons' arrival and immediate success effectively killed his Celtic career. Infact it could be argued he was at his best under Mowbray ala wonder goals against Falkirk, St Mirren and St Johnstone.

Despite this, he is arguably our most popular Celtic player. The Green Brigade have carried on an end of season May song of "Don't sell McCourt" into a crucial Champions League qualifier. Off the top of my head he has 3 songs ("Don't sell McCourt", "Pat McCourt's * army" and an official Paddy McCourt song, which has even been sang by the Thai Tims) and it's noticeable that the Derry Pele seems to be far more meaningful to the Green Brigade than Neil Lennon for example.

When you consider a young man like James Forrest, who has great potential for a great career and has done far more for Celtic on the pitch than Paddy McCourt, hasn't got his own unique song and isn't on the same pedestal as McCourt shall we say, it's puzzling. So why does Paddy McCourt receive the adulation?

p.s It may appear I'm being cynical for no reason but I believe it's justified and I certainly wish Paddy all the best in every appearance he makes in his upcoming final season with Celtic Football Club.

 

He's a joy to watch and hasn't had the run in the team which several other winger type have.

I really liked his position in the Samaras 2 nil game at Ibrox. That's where I'd play him.

Obviously Forrest is the better player however.

 

He's * exciting and has produced some absolute wonder goals. Some brilliant moments from Paddy.

He has scored more than 10 goals though.

 

I thought he done well when he came on against hjk...gave u a spark, think we got 3 corners with in 10 mins from him...all he needs is that 1 bit of luck and your 1-0 up

 

Although I did notice the GB kicked up the McCourt love after his death threat. Quite right in my opinion, support your players through adversary.

 

Best dribbler on the team. Arguably the best passer (or Ki/Commons). Confident enough in his abilities to run right at defenders. There's a combination of skill and belief about Paddy that our team could do w/ more of.

Lastly, he's from the north of Ireland, where we have a great deal of passionate supporters. So he's a bhoy that made it. This cements his cult hero status, but it's not the reason for it. Darryl Murphy's from Ireland too (albeit the south where our support is not quite as fervent), but I don't think there will be any riots on your hands if he's sold.

 

I agree

However Niall McGinn didn't get the same response

 

Niall did when he played that season. His wee spray of goals were accompanied to the fans going to to for him. Maybe no to the same extent right enough.

There is just something extremely likeable about Paddy though.

 

cause hes * class ,you obviously havent seen any of his goals otherwise you wouldnt ask such a ridiculous question

 

Because he's a brilliant player on his day, and despite the fact he'll be on a crap wage in footballing terms, sat on the bench a lot, he's still willing to stay at Celtic. Says a lot about him.

 

The "Derry Pele" is capable of genius, as he has shown. That is why he is liked. However, thankfully, as time progresses there is a growing realisation as to why he is not a regular starter. Simply not reliable enough.

Fine guy to have in the squad, and can change a game in an instant hence why he has value to us. But no more than that.

 

PADDY McCOURT'S * ARMY!!!

 

Why does it matter that he's Irish? I couldn't give a * that he's Irish. James Forrest is Scottish, why doesn't he have the same love from the fans? I only judge football players by their contribution to my club, not because he fits a nationalistic stereotype that elevates him to a position he hasn't earned. p.s Whoever asked, he has only scored 10 goals for Celtic and that is a fact, so don't dispute what I said.

 

Janes Forrest is loved by the fans but he hasn't got that particular strain of off the cuff genius that Paddy has.

 

Are you genuinely puzzled at the celtic fans love for Paddy or just spat the dummy because Forrest doesnt get the same adualtion?

Forrest your cousin or something?

 

Paddy McCourt is brilliant the Guy can take a good drink on a friday night and still turn up on a Saturday looking very presentable and put a shift.

If they sell McCourt there be a riot

THE DERRY PELE should get Legendary Status

 

Has he?

Paddy has given me many more moments of joy than Forrest ever has.

You may prefer Forrest over McCourt, I don't. So there is nothing surprising or unwarranted about the adulation to me.

 

Jamesy has done more for us in a Celtic shirt, that's a fact.