MAD FOR THE HATTERS: Paddy McCourt has now left Luton Town and heading home to Derry
PADDY McCourt has left League Two side Luton Town by mutual consent to return to his native North of Ireland sparking speculation he may rejoin Derry City.
The 32-year-old ex-Candy Stripes, Celtic and Brighton winger joined the Hatters on a two-year deal last summer and played 26 times.
“Paddy has had to face up to some personal problems in recent weeks,” said boss Nathan Jones.
“At the end of the season he came to me and it was soon clear that he wanted to return to Northern Ireland to be closer to his family and to play there again.”
Jones added: “It wasn’t a straightforward decision for me – Paddy has done well for us, but in the end we reached an agreement and he goes with my blessing.”
McCourt started his career at Foyle Harps before moving on a youth contract to Third Division side Rochdale in 2000.
After almost five years in England he was signed by Shamrock Rovers in 2005.
But after Rovers fell into financial troubles, he switched and signed for Derry City where he spent three seasons helping the club to win the League of Ireland Cup also runners up in Premier Division.
He has 18 caps with the Northern Ireland international team with two goals to his credit.
