Rochdale midfielder Patrick McCourt joined Norwich on trial for the week commencing 8th September 2003 so that the Canaries could see how he performs at a higher standard.

"We'll have a little look at him and assess where we go from there," said manager Nigel Worthington who acted on a recommendation from chief scout Alan Wood."Our scout has been watching him for a while and managed to persuade Rochdale to let him out for a week to train with us. We're very grateful to them for that and now we'll just have to see how it goes." McCourt returned, as scheduled, to Rochdale at the end of the week with the Canaries agreeing to keep an eye on the situation".

At the time of the trial, the left-sided midfielder had made 66 appearances for Rochdale, 35 of which had been from the substitute's bench. Originally signed from Irish sides Foyle Harps on a YTS contract, his potential quickly persuaded the Spotland club to sign him on a 3 and a half year contract in December 2001, shortly after making his debut at Kidderminster. His first season ended with 23 appearances and 4 goals. The second year saw him plagued by injuries and a loss of form - enabling Paul Simpson to seize his place in the starting XI. 26 appearances were made but mainly from the bench.

Rochdale fans describe him as unbelievably brilliant, or frustratingly under-acheiving. 'Paddy' as he is known on the terraces is arguably the most naturally talented footballer seen at Spotland in years. He has the ability to leave his opponents for dead time-after-time, and if he can learn to deliver the killer ball, it is only a matter of time before he moves on. Blackburn were said to be watching his progress during 2002/03. He has impressed enough to earn a full international cap, coming on as substitute during Northern Ireland's 5-0 friendly defeat at the hands of Spain.

Transfer-listed by Rochdale in September 2004, McCourt was linked with a move to Macclesfield. In December 2004, he joined Scottish side Motherwell on trial. In March 2005, he joined Irish side Shamrock Rovers. Topping the Irish golascoring charts by May 2005, Bristol City were alleged to have made an offer - one that financially stricken Shamrock Rovers could not resist. In the summer, he transferred to hometown club Derry City

McCourt was later a target for Peter Grant in October 2007 with a fee said to be agreed for £75000 but this transfer collapsed after Grant's sacking.

In June 2008, West Brom had a bid of £150,000 accepted for McCourt by Derry but McCourt was uncertain about the move as he would be a reserve team player. “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.”

Norwich then had a similar bid agreed and personal terms were believed to be bettr than those offered by The Baggies. But then Scottish giants Celtic made a move and McCourt, said to be a life-long Celtic fan, signed a three year deal with Celtic on 18th June 2008.