Paddy McCourt must grab chances

PADDY McCourt knows there is little else he can do to persuade Celtic boss Neil manager to give him a starting slot but keep delivering the sort of moments of magic he produced against Hearts.

The mercurial Irishman stepped off the bench to complete the scoring, and the former Derry City winger said: "Coming on and scoring goals won't do me any harm. The competition in the wide areas and up front is really strong and it is driving everyone on. There are probably four or five strikers who think they should be playing every week and maybe three or four wingers as well.

"I'm sure when the manager sits down on a Friday or Saturday to pick the team he has a few headaches but that is better than struggling to pick 11 players. But I think it would be a bit stupid to knock on the door when we have won every game and haven't conceded a goal yet."

The Northern Ireland international is well aware that Celtic expect to see some brilliance when he takes to the field.

"The expectancy is something I thrive on," he said. "I always get a buzz when I hear the reception when I come on."