KRIS Commons today paid a glowing tribute to Paddy McCourt by tipping the Celtic cult hero for success wherever he moves to.

McCourt became a huge favourite with Hoops supporters during his five-year stay at the Parkhead club.

But the Northern Ireland star is now on a lookout for a new club after playing his last game for the Glasgow giants in the Scottish Cup final last month.

The 29-year-old failed to hold down a regular place in Neil Lennon's team during the 2012/13 campaign and only made four starts and 20 appearances.

His brief run-out in the 3-0 win over Hibs at Hampden – when team mate Joe Ledley handed him the captain's arm band after he came on as a substitute – will be his final appearance for Celtic.

Commons has relished playing alongside the former Rochdale, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City midfielder, who is now out of contract, during his two-and-a-half years in Scotland.

In fact, the former Stoke, Nottingham Forest and Derby County star rates him as one of the most skilful individuals he has ever played with.

"Paddy is one of the nicest men I have met in football and all of the boys in the Celtic squad will be sad to see him move on," he remarked.

"Wherever he goes on to play I wish him every success. I am sure he will do well because he is one of the best players I have ever played with.

"Technically, he is just a genius. He is a real entertainer and has become a hero to the supporters during his time at Celtic. The fans absolutely love him."

Commons added: "It is unfortunate that Paddy has not been involved as much as he would have liked to have been in the last season or so.

"I think the time had come for him to move on. He needs to be playing more football than he has done and hopefully he can move on and do that now.

"I am sure if he gets a regular game he will show the sort of form that made Celtic fans love watching him so much and will be a great success."

Clubs have been linked with several of Celtic's players – most notably Fraser Forster, Gary Hooper as well as Victor Wanyama – as a result of their success both domestically and in Europe last season.

Commons was pleased to see Celtic boss Lennon bolster his squad by landing Portuguese striker Amido Balde last week.

And he is confident that Lennon will have enough strength in depth for the Glasgow club to be competitive in the SPL and in the Champions League next season.

He also believes the kids emerging at the club's Lennoxtown training complex will be able to challenge for first-team places in the season to come along with any new arrivals.

Commons stated: "We have got good young players who are coming through who are training with us on a regular basis now.

"It is a good sign that Celtic are trying to bring youth through as well as trying to dip into the market and buy players as well.

"I have no doubt we will have a large and strong squad next season.

"We will all have to perform well to force our way into the first team at Celtic."