FOOTBALL: Paddy McCourt leaves Luton Town to return to Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt is on his way home.

The talented winger has left League Two side Luton Town by mutual consent.

Paddy McCourt has left Luton Town because of family reasons.

placeholder image — Paddy McCourt has left Luton Town because of family reasons.

Town’s manager Nathan Jones confirmed that the news that the ex-Celtic and Derry City winger will be returning home.

“Paddy has had to face up to some personal problems in recent weeks,” said Jones.

“At the end of the season he came to me and it was soon clear that he wanted to return to Northern Ireland to be closer to his family and to play there again.

“It wasn’t a straightforward decision for me - Paddy has done well for us, but in the end we reached an agreement and he goes with my blessing.”

The 32-year-old, who was hoping to force his way into Michael O’Neill’s Euro 2016 squad, joined the Hatters on a two-year deal last summer and played 26 times last season.