McCourt tipped to shine through at Kenilworth Road

The summer signing has endured a stopstart campaign so far and made his first start for a month in the 1-0 win at Mansfield on Saturday.

Speaking about his impact so far, Still said: “It’s been difficult for Paddy because it was a difficult time pre-season as he was with Ireland.

“He came back, missed some pre-season, took a little bit of time get going, played I thought brilliantly against Oxford.

“He picked up a little bit of a knock, then he had 10 days away with Ireland, he didn’t play, they wouldn’t have trained hard, so he perhaps just fell a touch behind.

“So we put him on the bench for the game away at Notts County, built up his training and he played Saturday. He trained hard this week and should be getting fitter, but one of the reasons we brought him in is because he can play that pass to get you in for the goal.

“He’s got fantastic technique, it’s just getting his fitness levels as high as possible, but that’s improving, so that’s a plus.”

Striker Craig Mackail-Smith, whom McCourt played with last season at Brighton, was fully aware of the quality the Irishman brings to Hatters side.

He continued: “I don’t know if anyone knows what he’s going to do sometimes, but he’s a fantastic player and someone you want on the ball.

“He just needs games and then the team will understand how he plays. He’s been injured and been in and out, so hopefully he’ll get a run now and we’ll all start to gel.

Assistant boss Terry Harris went even further in his description of McCourt’s capabilities, as he said: “Paddy’s a magician, he can unlock so many doors.

“He put the ball through for Craig for the penalty, he hasn’t really got as many games under his belt as he’s been away with the national side, so he maybe is a little bit below real full fitness.

“But he’s getting there and when he does, he’s a joy to watch.”

However, Mackail-Smith was fully aware that Town weren’t just a one man team and have plenty of other strings to their bow creativity wise.

He added: “We’ve got great quality up there and it’s great for me as I want to cause hassle and hold the ball up and bring other people into play.

“When you’ve got Josh (McQuoid), Paddy and Cameron (McGeehan) behind you, as long as I can get it and give it to them, I know that they can do something.

“I’ve just got to get in the box and hopefully they can get the quality into me. Cam’s already scored three this season too and although Josh hasn’t scored his performances have been great.”