Pat McCourt now feels part of the Celtic family following his move from Derry City.

The winger's good progress could see him named in the Northern Ireland side to face the Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier in Prague.

McCourt, 25, is set to win only his third cap after a seven-year absence between his first two.

He made his debut against Spain against 2002, then vanished from the scene before reappearing as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over San Marino last February.

McCourt believes he is now ready to kick on after spells at Rochdale, Shamrock Rovers and then Derry.

He said: "I definitely found it a big step up moving to Celtic and I spent the first year acclimatising, if you like. I also had some injuries.

"But I am really enjoying it now and feel as though I have settled in well. Hopefully my performances emphasise that.

"I have managed to get some goals, so that has helped my confidence. I just want to repay Celtic on the pitch."

Northern Ireland's play-off hopes are all but over, although the Czechs could still sneak in, and McCourt is ready to savour the occasion.

He said: "It is a big chance for players like myself, who are not regulars to make an impression. I have not been involved as much as I would like.

"It should be a full house and a great atmosphere. Certainly we do not want to end on a disappointing note.

"It has been a great campaign and progress has been made. We have certainly come on in the last few years. If you look at the squad it is packed full of quality players and we have given some great performances."

Manager Nigel Worthington looks set to give Warren Feeney a run-out even though the striker is not yet match fit.

Feeney had his first game of the season only last week when he made his comeback from a hip injury - 45 minutes for Cardiff reserves at Hereford.

Although the low-key game was hardly ideal preparation for facing the Czechs, it is understood Worthington believes the 28-year-old can rise to the challenge after speaking to Bluebirds boss Dave Jones.

Feeney has shown his pedigree in the past for the province, scoring twice in successive victories against Poland and Slovenia at the end of last season.

Worthington is down on numbers when it comes to attack-minded players with Kyle Lafferty, Martin Paterson, Andrew Little and Jamie Ward all absent.