Celtic move for Baggies target McCourt

Celtic have joined the chase for Derry City winger Pat McCourt – meaning his proposed move to West Brom is now on hold.

The 24-year-old looked set to join the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League side after both clubs agreed a fee last week.

He was set to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical this week but now looks poised to perform a dramatic U-turn after Celtic made their interest known.

The Scottish champions are still in the hunt for big-name signings after clinching their third consecutive league title.

Manager Gordon Strachan’s role as a television pundit at Euro 2008 has provided him with the ideal opportunity to assess the cream of European football.

But it is understood that Celtic are also keen to secure the services of McCourt and will hold talks with the player, regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the Eircom League, over the next couple of days.

He attracted interest from top English clubs as a youngster with Rochdale and was linked with a move Manchester City in the 2002-03 season.

McCourt made his Northern Ireland international debut against Spain in June 2002 before a combination of injury and loss of form saw him part company with Rochdale in February 2005.

A trial with Motherwell followed but two weeks at Fir Park failed to yield a move and he signed for Shamrock Rovers before financial problems saw him sold to hometown club Derry City.