Celtic chase ex-Dale man

Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic have joined the hunt for former Rochdale winger Patrick McCourt after leading candidates for his signature West Bromwich Albion pulled out of the chase for his signature.

Norwich City are also believed to be in the race to sign the Northern Irish winger from current club Derry City for a fee in the region of £150,000.

The race to sign McCourt, who starred at Spotland when he was beginning his professional career, has gathered pace over the summer because he is out of contract in November and would be free to talk to any club that wished to sign him.

Premier League side West Brom pulled out of signing McCourt because he had offers from other clubs who were more likely to give him a chance in their first teams.

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray told their club's official website: "While we are trying to get the first team right for the Premier League, we are also looking to bring in players to strengthen the underbelly of the club,” boss Tony Mowbray told the Baggies' official website.

“It's a process we started last season and Pat was one of a few players we are looking to bring in - but on our terms. These are players who, while we're trying to develop their talent, can step into the first team at any given time.

“However, during the club's discussions with Pat, it became clear he has other options where he feels he may have a greater opportunity to play first team football and we wish him all the best.”

Celtic and Norwich were both rumoured to be interested in McCourt during his time at Rochdale and he went for a week's trial with the Canaries in 2003, when he was 19 years old.