Niall McGinn out but Celtic win

CELTIC'S contingent of former Derry City wingers enjoyed contrasting fortunes last night as Niall McGinn faced up to a two-month absence while Paddy McCourt added another wonder goal to his collection.

McGinn missed Celtic's trip to Germany to take part in St Pauli's centenary celebrations after going over on his foot in the final training session of the season on Monday.

The 22-year-old then learned he will miss the start of pre-season training after tests confirmed he had broken a metatarsal.

He said: "I knew right away that I had done something wrong and the pain on the outside of my foot got worse.

"The physio said that it looks like a clean break and will heal well, which is encouraging. But I will miss the start of pre-season training and will have to play catch-up. I just hope my natural fitness can help me get me back as quickly as possible."

McGinn's mood would no doubt have been lifted later, temporarily, when he watched Northern Ireland team-mate McCourt light up an end-of-season game with a virtuoso effort as Celtic won 2-0 in Germany.

McCourt, who scored spectacular goals after mazy runs against Falkirk and St Mirren this season, collected the ball on the halfway line before beating three men down the touchline and cutting into the penalty box, finishing off by nutmegging the St Pauli goalkeeper and finding the far corner.

Morten Rasmussen's six-yard finish late on sealed the victory.