New Celtic signing Michael Duffy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Paddy McCourt and become a favourite amongst the supporters of the Scottish club.
Like McCourt did in 2008, Duffy has departed Derry City for the Scottish Premiership leaders with hopes high that, after a tremendous season with the Candystripes, he can soon find himself in the first-team.
Duffy is keen to point out the differences in their play, but hopes to make a quick impact under Ronny Deila.
The 20-year-old said: "I’ve grown up watching Paddy McCourt for years and he’s amazing, completely different class.
"Everyone has been saying to me to be the next Paddy McCourt and if I get somewhere near his skill I’ll be happy.
"Being from Derry, everyone loves Celtic, so back home, things got a bit mad. All my friends are Celtic supporters and they come to games and they can’t believe I’ve signed. When my Dad first told me I was going on trial to Celtic, it took a while to sink in.
"It’s a dream come true to be here. Out of every team to show an interest, for it to be Celtic was unbelievable."
Duffy scored 16 goals for Derry last year, despite an inconsistent league campaign for the team, and is aiming to make a first Celtic appearance before the end of the Scottish season.
He stated: "Making my debut is something I see as a good goal for myself as I feel like I’m really developing at the moment.
"I started with Derry City just coming on in a few games then, last year, the manager Peter Hutton decided to give me a chance and he played me in a lot of games and I ended up scoring 16 throughout the season.
"Now I can hopefully continue that, maybe come on now and again and get myself into the first-team."
