His name had been the big talking point of the last week and tonight Paddy McCourt finally made his debut at Finn Park.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY AT FINN PARK
It was evident from the off tonight that McCourt was different, not just because he was in different attire to his new team-mates during the warm up.
Tony McBride, filming for Soccer Republic, was pitch-side to get footage of a player Stephen Kenny described on BBC Radio Foyle as ‘the most gifted’ he has worked with.
A healthy home crowd of 1,840 turned up to see Harps face Cork City in the 2017 season opener; a fine attendance given both the conditions and the fact that close-to 1,000 had paid to see Roy Keane conduct a Q&A in Letterkenny this evening.
Sean Maguire fired Cork ahead in the 45th minute and a night of few chances was in the balance when, finally, the moment arrived as the clock ticked into the 70th minute.
McCourt had warmed up at the River End of the pitch and as he took off his tracksuit, there was a real sense of anticipation amid the drenching downpour that swept over Ballybofey.
John McLoughlin, the fourth official, stepped out, the board went up, ‘20’ flashed on and Paddy McCourt was in for his Finn Harps debut.
His last game in the League of Ireland was a 0-0 draw with Galway United in May 2008 – almost 9 years ago.
The following month he was off to Celtic and the man dubbed the ‘Derry Pele’ was seemingly lost to these shores.
Some Derry fans might have pined for his return, but there was enough in his 20 minutes tonight to suggest that he’ll play a key role for Harps.
“He put the two balls in for our two best chances. If he can do that wee in week out of course he’ll contribute,” was how Ollie Horgan saw his display.
“He hasn’t played a whole lot, bits and pieces with Glenavon. He has a little bit to go, but he’ll get there fairly quickly.”
McCourt controls a football like few of his peers and the way he pulled something out of nothing to carve a chance for Gareth Harkin in the closing stages showed the moments of genius he can offer.
McCourt had little time to seize the moment and pull the embers from the fire.
Aside from his on-the-ball ability, which has always been obvious, his presence, awareness and a little organisation were evident in his 20-minute cameo.
Harps have rarely captured a signing so prominent.
In the past, the likes of Mick Channon might’ve created a stir, but his stay was short – just one appearance – in the 1980s and his contribution non-existent.
McCourt, though, is different gravy entirely.
This is a man who has won 18 Northern Ireland caps and had five seasons at Celtic, winning two SPL titles and two Scottish Cups.
Harps have taken what some believe to be a brave decision in signing McCourt, but the early signs were quite promising – even if the moments were fleeting.
Tags:
