Promotion boost for Finn Harps as former Celtic man Paddy McCourt signs new deal

Finn Harps have secured a major coup in their quest to return to the Premier Division with the confirmation Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt has signed a new deal for 2018.

 

The former Derry City and Celtic midfielder was understood to have been considering his options following Harps relegation, but manager Ollie Horgan has persuaded him to stay on to give the First Division a crack.

 

Midfielder Gareth Harkin has also agreed to stay on with the Harps in 2018, adding to the good news after captain Ciaran Coll and defender Shane Blaney signed new contracts.

 

“I’m pleased that both Gareth and Paddy have agreed terms to be part of the Finn Harps squad for next season,” Horgan told the club's media team.

 

“Gareth has been with me for the past four years and I expect him to be a key player in midfield against very strong teams in the First Division next season.

 



“Paddy McCourt gave great commitment to Finn Harps after joining for me last February.

 

“It’s great to have him in again and his presence is a very encouraging sign but there’s still a long road to go in terms getting a decent squad together.”

 

33-year-old McCourt began his senior career in England with Rochdale, making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2001 and earning the first of 18 Northern Ireland caps the following year.

 



He returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers in 2005 but, after only five months, the Hoops' financial troubles saw him transferred to his hometown club Derry City.

 

After three years with Derry, he signed for Scottish side Celtic, and he enjoyed five years at the club, winning two Scottish Premier League titles.

 

He joined Barnsley in 2013 and had further spells with Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton Town and Glenavon before joining Harps in 2017.

 

29-year-old Harkin returns for his fifth consecutive season with Harps and his sixth in total after initially joining for the 2011 season.

 

The former Fanad United player has also had spells with Derry City and in the Irish League with Coleraine and Limavady United.