McCourt set for key role, says Lennon

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has assured Paddy McCourt he has a major role to play in the coming weeks and months.

McCourt has not started for Celtic since netting a superb solo winner at Inverness on the opening day of the season.

A neck injury sustained celebrating that goal saw McCourt fall out of the team, although he has come off the bench in Celtic's three other SPL wins, scoring another brilliant individual effort in last week's 3-0 win over Hearts.

The Northern Ireland internationalist admitted after the match he felt he had to produce something special every time he played given the competition for places. But Lennon fully intends to utilise the former Rochdale and Derry City player's talents.

Lennon, whose team face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, said: "Paddy is going to play a part this season, no doubt about it. The more he trains on a regular basis, the less we need to worry about his injury problems. He is in a good place at the moment. He is ready to play and will play a big part in the next few weeks."