Celtic duo defy threats

Paddy McCourt and Niall McGinn are “shocked and disappointed” at having bullets sent to them but neither will allow the sinister threats to obstruct their respective careers, according to the players’ agent.

Strathclyde Police are carrying out an investigation after a package containing bullets and addressed to 27-year-old McCourt at Celtic Park was discovered yesterday by Royal Mail workers in the east end of Glasgow.

Bullets sent to McGinn, 23, and Parkhead boss Neil Lennon last week were detected by postal workers in Mallusk, County Antrim. All three packages were posted in Northern Ireland.

Gerry Carlile, the players’ representative, told Press Association Sport: “I have spoken to both Paddy and Niall and while both are shocked and disappointed, they are determined this won’t derail their efforts on the park.

“Both are encouraged by the support and sympathy they have received from both sides of the divide in recent days.

“However, I hope the PSNI and Strathclyde Police are investigating thoroughly and that those responsible are caught and brought to justice swiftly.”

The three Celtic targets are Catholic and have represented Northern Ireland at international level but while McCourt and McGinn are favourites of the Windsor Park crowd, Lennon retired from international football in 2002 after receiving death threats.

McCourt and McGinn, both former Derry City players, are in Lennon’s squad for tonight’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hamilton at New Douglas Park.