Paddy McCourt has found himself a new club in Northern Ireland and supporters are thrilled

Paddy McCourt saw his dream return to Derry City fall by the wayside this week.

Candystripes boss Kenny Shiels revealed that he felt it was in the best interests of the club to remain focused on the player development programme currently in place rather than bring in a big-name signing. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/755320110454374400 But, fortunately, McCourt has since found himself a club in Northern Ireland with Armagh outfit Glenavon FC revealing that he had signed the Northern Ireland international a one-year deal. McCourt requested to cut short his contract with Luton Town earlier this year so that he could return home to be with his wife Laura, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. https://twitter.com/Glenavon_FC/status/755509816878129156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw McCourt also ruled himself out of Euro 2016 on the eve of the tournament, the day that Laura underwent surgery, but with doctors optimistic following the surgery's success, he will be able to revisit the football career he admirably put on the backburner. A winger who gained cult hero status at Celtic, McCourt was unveiled at Mourneview Park on Tuesday night by manager Gary Hamilton. The 32-year-old was announced as a Glenavon player alongside Guy Bates, a striker who rejoins the Lurgan Blues from Linfield, also on a one year deal. It's safe to say that fans were absolutely delighted with the piece of business.

@Glenavon_FC absolutley fantastic business, well done to all involved

— Lurgan Celtic (@LurganCeltic) July 20, 2016

@Glenavon_FC McCourt is a fantastic signing the Mourneview Messi. Let's hope Bates can pick up where he left of. Well done all at GFC. — Jim Lockhart (@jimlock71) July 19, 2016

@Glenavon_FC @LoiTransfers bates looks in serious Nick . Paddy Magician with the ball

— Turlach (@toghar11) July 19, 2016

@Glenavon_FC @Elmightymouse The Derry Pele up front with @skinnerlad Guaranteed entertainment #goalsgalore — Gareth Reilly (@gareth_reilly) July 20, 2016

@Glenavon_FC Love Paddy

— Chris Dolan (@VolChrisD) July 19, 2016

@Glenavon_FC @NIFootballDaily Great to see Paddy McCourt in this league..What a cracking player and a joy to watch.well done glenavon. — Martin McKeown (@mckeown134) July 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/Foolkiller82/status/755677778075353088 https://twitter.com/GarethHanna11/status/755511698417676288 https://twitter.com/JohnnyMcNabb21/status/755472612139098112 https://twitter.com/tim_clarke1/status/755468702275997698 Listen to our new GAA podcast with Colm Parkinson. Click here to subscribe on iTunes. https://soundcloud.com/user-787320910/the-gaa-hour-with-colm-parkinson-tyrone-and-galway-are-back-but-these-dubs-are-not-going-away