National door still open for McCourt, says Worthington

Nigel Worthington insists the "door is still open" for Paddy McCourt to return to the Northern Ireland fold.

The talented Celtic midfielder has been left out of Worthington's recent squads while a host of new faces have been drafted in, including youngsters Johnny Gorman of Wolves and Manchester United duo Corry Evans and Oliver Norwood, none of whom have played a competitive first-team game for their respective clubs.

McCourt, 26, has been in and out the Hoops' side since moving from Derry City in 2008 but new Parkhead boss Neil Lennon has handed him a new three-year contract.

And his winning goal for Celtic at Inverness on Saturday indicated the Irishman is fit and ready to fill the boots of Aiden McGeady.

Worthington said McCourt simply has to keep fit and keep playing and he will be in contention for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Slovenia next month.

"The door is still open for Paddy," he said.

"He was injured a lot over the last year with different bumps and things and that got in the way. We all know the quality he possesses but I've told Paddy that he has to work hard when he plays, as do all the players in the team, and he knows that.

"But if he gets a regular spot at Celtic then he will be in my plans."