Paddy McCourt has endured a tough few years, but he’s too young to be finished with football, says legend Felix Healy

Paddy McCourt is looking for a fresh challenge after leaving Derry City

Derry City favourite Felix Healy

Paddy McCourt hasn’t closed the door on a return to football and Derry City legend Felix Healy says he hopes the 39-year-old does stage a comeback.

Former Northern Ireland international McCourt says he’s ready to pursue a new challenge after leaving the Candystripes.

McCourt’s eight years’ service as a player, Academy Manager and Technical Director is now over and when asked if he would return to the game in the future he told the Belfast Telegraph: “You never know.”

Healy, a League title winner with Derry City as a player and manager, says the former Celtic winger can find another role in the game.

“I was very surprised when I heard the news,” said Healy who played in the 1982 World Cup Finals for Northern Ireland.

“It’s been a tough few years for him but I would be surprised if he is finished in football.

“Football can be in your blood but this game can also be silly.

“Paddy is still a very young man and not long finished as a player. He played under Stephen Kenny and won a few trophies. He was instrumental in bringing players to the club but what lies ahead for him I’m not sure.

“It can be hard to walk away from football, he’s maybe too young to be disillusioned with it all.”

Derry City favourite Felix Healy

McCourt, who scored two goals in 18 appearances for Northern Ireland, took over as head of Youth Development at Derry in November 2018 before being appointed Technical Director at the club in January 2020.

He was absent from the club in the past two years after battling to clear his name against a sexual assault charge.

McCourt was suspended by Derry when he was charged with the assault in February 2022.

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