Paddy McCourt says he's up to challenge of replacing Aiden McGeady

McCourt, pictured, signed a new three-year contract this afternoon, ending speculation he could leave his boyhood idols for Barclays Premier League new boys Blackpool.

The transfer talk surrounding McGeady is even more feverish and manager Neil Lennon today admitted he did not know if the Republic of Ireland international would stay or go.

But if he does leave, McCourt believes it would give him a better chance of finally showing what he can do.

"If he does leave, it'll definitely open up a space for me and it'll be up to me to grab it," said McCourt.

Lennon openly compared the two players in expressing his delight at McCourt's decision to sign on.

"You're talking about McGeady, you're talking about people entertaining crowds," he said.

"I think traditionally the club has had that over the years – players who can beat people, eliminate people, take them out of the game.

"I want that in my team and Paddy certainly comes into that category."

McCourt admitted Celtic's fans had not seen the best of him following an injury-plagued start to life in a Hoops jersey.

"I think I've only made 19 appearances in two years, so there's a lot more to come," he said.

"That was for different reasons – injuries and fitness reasons – when I first came.

"But luckily I'm winning that battle at the moment so I'm hoping this could be my year to kick on and show my best."

Northern Ireland winger McCourt had a year left on his previous deal and asked if he had been tempted to move away, he said: "I wouldn't say tempted. When you're not playing as much football as you like then you obviously have to consider your options.

"But after a few chats with the manager, I wasn't long making my mind up to stay here.

"It's a club I love and I'd have been disappointed to leave after the two years I've had here.

"I want to be successful here and I want my time here to be filled with medals and I haven't got one yet."

McCourt signed from Derry City in the summer of 2008 after catching the eye with some impressive individual goals.

He initially struggled to match his team-mates' fitness and was restricted to five substitute appearances in an injury-hit first season under Gordon Strachan.

But he broke into the team on a more regular basis under Tony Mowbray, playing 14 times and scoring three goals, including two stunning solo efforts.

McCourt's only competitive match under Lennon was the Active Nation Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Ross County but he netted another sublime goal in a post-season friendly against St Pauli.

He was an unused substitute on Wednesday as Celtic lost 3-0 to Sporting Braga in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, but he has decided to keep trying to force his way into Lennon's long-term plans rather than seek a move.