Former Derry City midfielder is being tipped to take the English Championship by storm this season after setting Barnsley on their way to a 3-2 victory over Middlesboro with a wonder goal at Oakwell on Saturday.
Paddy McCourt
The former Brandywell favourite, signed from Glasgow Celtic during the summer transfer window, dribbled his way past six defenders before finding the back of the next. The goal has already proved a hit on You Tube.
Speaking after the win, Barnsley boss David Flitcroft said had not reached full fiitness and when he did he would be a sensation in the Championship.
He said: “He’s so unpredictable I don’t think there’s much like him in the Championship if I’m being honest. He worries you if you can get him near the box and he starts gliding. Once he gets near that box you’ve got to be very careful you don’t bring him down. He worries defenders. That’s what Paddy’s got hasn’t he?”
He added: “We’re still trying to get him fitter and stronger, but I believe he’ll take the Championship by storm, I really do.”
McCourt’s 26th minute strike was his first goal for the Reds since joining as a free agent in late August.
And Flitcroft is hoping the 29-year-old Northern Ireland international will be the creator and scorer of more goals this season.
He said: “I said when we first got him that creation and scoring goals was important, but more creation than anything. But goals are a bonus and I do believe he’ll get goals.
“I think he can create, keep the ball at times and when you stay on the ball for five or six seconds it gives everyone a breather to come up the pitch. Paddy will be influential for us I’m sure over the next sort six to eight games. I love working with him.”
McCourt was withdrawn shortly after his goal due to illness.
Flitcroft said: “He wasn’t feeling great before the match, but we didn’t think it would go to that extreme when he’s exerting his energy and getting to the point where he’s physically sick on the pitch.”
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