THERE is no denying that fans' favourite Paddy has the guile and vision to unlock tight defences – one of the few available to Neil Lennon with these skills.
However, his fitness concerns remain a serious problem, and the player has only just returned from his latest injury lay off.
So, McCourt may still be best used as an impact player off the bench for now, with Lennon bringing him on once the initial sting has been taken out of whatever fixture the Parkhead side face.
That said, he should have been brought on much earlier at Easter Road where the route to goal through the middle was so congested and the crossing from the wide areas was creating few decent chances.
Hopefully after the winter break there will be more evidence of Paddy's fitness and, consequently, signs of his influence in games.
With his contract running out, it's crunch time for the cult figure.
YES, says Matthew Lindsay
