The League of Ireland can be a small community, where stories and rumours can travel quickly.
Dundalk looked like they had managed to keep a potential signing under wraps, only to have it released by the PFAI. The players' union were in Dundalk on Wednesday when they tweeted a photo of the squad with some PFAI officials.
One player stood out more than most in the photo, and many were surprised to see him there. Paddy McCourt. The Northern Ireland international has been training with the club, with a view of joining the League champions
Great to have the full support of our league champions @DundalkFC discussing the challenges facing players in the LOI pic.twitter.com/5xDXUpV9Ce
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) January 25, 2017
McCourt has not played in the League of Ireland since he left Derry City in 2008. After spells in England and Scotland with a variety of clubs including Celtic and Brighton & Hove Albion, the Derry native returned home last season.
The 33-year-old signed a one-year deal with Irish League side Glenavon, but he was released just before Christmas, paving the way for a potential move to the Oriel Park side.
If McCourt is to join, he could be an astute signing by manager Stephen Kenny. The two men worked together in Derry, before the 18-times capped Northern Ireland international joined Celtic.
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