Ex-Celtic star Paddy McCourt says Glenavon '˜ticked all the boxes'

The gifted former Celtic star signed a one-year deal with Gary Hamilton’s side in what is a major coup for the Irish Cup winners who hope to be in a position to challenge for the league title in the coming season.

The news will disappoint Derry City supporters who had hoped the Shantallow man would make a return to his hometown club where he played between 2006 and 2008, helping the Candystripes to the FAI Cup and two League Cups during that stint.

Derry City boss, Kenny Shiels this week revealed he had opted out of a move for the ‘Derry Pele’ despite funds being made available as he preferred to progress the youngsters within his squad.

McCourt, who has 18 international caps with N. Ireland, returned to Derry as a free agent after his wife, Laura was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year, She had a successful operation last month and McCourt then began the search for a new club.

And he hopes his wealth of experience can help Glenavon sustain a league title challenge in the forthcoming season after the Lurgan Blues pipped several Irish League and League of Ireland clubs to his signature.

“Glenavon were challenging for the league last year and ended up winning the cup so coming here ticked a lot of the boxes for me,” said McCourt.