FORMER Derry City winger, Niall McGinn expects his Glasgow Celtic teammate, Paddy McCourt, to make a significant impact at the Parkhead club next season under new boss, Tony Mowbray.
The Shantallow man, who Mowbray attempted to sign from Derry City while in charge of West Bromich Albion, will be hoping to make an impression on Mowbray when pre-season training gets underway over the new few days.
The 25-year-old has been suffer
ing from hamstring and stamina problems since signing from the 'Candy Stripes' for a £100,000 fee last summer, restricting his first-team appearances to just five - all when coming on from the bench. However, McGinn has tipped McCourt to make his breakthrough next season, providing he steers clear of injury.
"Paddy was doing fantastically well towards the end of last season, but he picked up an injury before the last game of the season and that knocked him back a bit," said McGinn this week.
"But if he keeps doing what he was doing towards the end of last season, then he shouldn't have any problems getting more chances in the first team next season."
The N. Ireland international is also hoping to stake his own claim on a first team place and believes with a full pre-season under his belt, he will have an opportunity to force his way into Mowbray's plans.
"I know it's a big season coming up for me," added McGinn. "Joining from Derry City in January meant that I didn't have a full-time pre-season behind me but, hopefully, if I have a good one this time, then I can impress the manager and force my way into the squad.
"If I get a few matches during pre-season that will, hopefully, give me the confidence to go on and you never know were that will take me.
"Obviously, with the new manager coming in, everyone starts from scratch so my main aim is to do well and get my chance which I would grab it with both hands," he concluded.
