McCourt and McGinn – Celtic’s World Cup Wing Wizards​

Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup have been bolstered by the recent form of Celtic wingers Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt. While McGinn has already impressed on the International scene under Nigel Worthington – meriting his call-ups with some dazzling displays against Hungary and Israel – McCourt has only earned two caps in his International career, and it is clearly his performances in the last seven days that have earned him a place in Worthington’s most recent squad, announced this morning.

Two stunning strikes in two starts mean that McCourt is currently enjoying cult status at Celtic Park. His solo goal against St Mirren on Saturday was surely a strong contender for goal of the season, and while he openly accepts there are facets of his game that require work, it is clear for all to see that he has prodigious talent.

McCourt - a fantastic talent.​

“There’s no way I’m near the finished article,” McCourt stated. “I’ll still get fitter, and I’ll still get better, but at the minute it’s nice to get a few starts and a few goals. Nowadays, wingers have to track back as well as create, and that’s not a natural part of my game. I enjoy the attacking side of the game, and trying to beat players, but I need to work on my defensive side.”

A mature approach, from a man whose muted weekend celebration suggested he realises he still has far to go. Nevertheless, the young winger has talent galore, and this call-up to the Northern Irish side is a fair reflection of both his ability and his will to succeed at the very top.

McGinn, on the other hand, has already impressed Worthington sufficiently – to such an extent that he is now a squad regular. His performance as a second half substitute for his International team, against Israel, earned him high acclaim, with his manager stating “Niall did terrifically well – he got us up the pitch and used his pace and ability.”

McGinn - already impressed on the International scene.​

The fact that he has not perhaps played as frequently for Celtic as he would have liked – as a direct result of farcical SPL rulings with regard to under-21 players – and STILL kept his place in Worthington’s squad speaks volumes for his ability.

Two wingers on the up, both domestically, and on the International scene. While Aiden McGeady and Shaun Maloney are first choices at the moment, both McCourt and McGinn are constantly knocking on the door – giving Celtic gaffer Tony Mowbray the most pleasant of dilemmas.

DM