Hatters duo pay tribute to McCourt after Town exit

The winger left Luton by mutual consent recently, as he sought a return to his home country, and although hugely disappointed to learn of the news, Sheehan felt it was fitting of the former Celtic and Brighton wideman’s personality.

He said: “Me and Paddy are very close, I’m absolutely gutted he’s gone.

“Not only is he an incredible player, but he’s an incredible person. He’s a guy with a great family and you’ve got to look after them.

“That just sums him up as a guy, he’s just a great guy.”

Boss Nathan Jones also knew there was nothing he could have done to keep hold of the hugely exciting McCourt, adding: “He’s had a few family issues which are very unfortunate and affected his end of season.

“He’s been outstanding for us, he’s a great lad and I know him very well, as I had a personal relationship with Paddy before I came here, before he came here.

“He was just in a situation where he couldn’t commit what he needed to commit to be a top footballer for Luton, so we came to an agreement and because of our relationship, it helped in what we had to do.

“We had to come to an agreement, because he still had a year left, but family issues would have made it impossible for him to fulfil that, so we came to an agreement.

“We wish Paddy all the best, and I hope everything works out. I appreciate everything he’s done for us as he’s been fantastic for me at Brighton and been fantastic since I’ve been here, so no issues whatsoever.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to let him go, but some things are slightly more important too.”