McCourt arrived at Celtic in 2008 from Northern Ireland side Derry city

By Jim Spence

Paddy McCourt's agent says he will hold talks with Celtic at the end of the season about the player's future.

Gerry Carlile told BBC Scotland that the Northern Ireland international, who has a year left on his current deal, is keen to stay at Celtic Park.

"There are other clubs very interested in Paddy, both in the Premiership and the Championship," said Carlile.

"His deal is up at Celtic at the end of next season, but he loves it at Parkhead and would like to stay there."

McCourt arrived at Celtic from Derry City for an undisclosed fee in June 2008 on a three-year deal.

The versatile winger struggled with fitness under former manager Gordon Strachan but has impressed on the few occasions he has broken through to the first team and scored in Celtic's 4-1 against St Johnstone in January.

Paddy wants to play for Celtic, he wants to be there Paddy McCourt's agent Gerry Carlile

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is an admirer of the 25-year-old and is understood to be keen to take him to the Championship side, who are still in with a chance of reaching the Premier League play-offs in England.

"Paddy Wants to play for Celtic, he wants to be there," said Carlile.

"He is not playing for a move, but he obviously also wants to be playing first team football."

McCourt's agent insists that the player's first choice is to stay at Celtic, the club he supports.

"He is one of the most popular players with the Celtic fans and is a bit of a cult hero with them," said Carlile.

"He's fit again but isn't getting picked at the moment. Hopefully, he'll get a few games before the end of the season.

"He has another year left on his deal, but we'll start negotiations about a new deal once the season ends and see what Celtic have to offer."

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