FINN HARPS’ ambitious hopes of capturing former Celtic winger Paddy McCourt have been dealt a blow following news that the Derryman is on the verge of signing with Dundalk.
The 33-year-old’s one-year contract at Irish League outfit Glenavon was terminated by mutual consent prior to Christmas.
Although Harps have a rather modest budget, the Ballybofey outfit had been in touch with McCourt, with assistant manager Paul Hegarty believed to have been a key part of the tentative talks.
Indeed, McCourt – a Northern Ireland international – was initially receptive to the idea and had been doing some gym sessions in his native city alongside Harps players.
While finance was going to be an obvious barrier for Harps to leap, the club was understood to be supportive of the notion of signing what would have been an obvious bluechip player.
However, McCourt’s former manager at Derry, Stephen Kenny, has since come in to interrupt the move by taking the wiger on trial to Dundalk, where he is said to have impressed so far.
McCourt played previously in the League of Ireland with both Derry City and Shamrock Rovers and has had spells in Barnsley, Brighton, Notts County and Luton.
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