The 29-year-old is currently without a club after his release from Celtic and despite interest from several English sides, is believed to be eager on a move across the Atlantic

Former Derry City and Celtic winger Paddy McCourt is training with Scottish Premier League side Hibernian as his search for a new employer intensifies.The Northern Ireland international is said to be keen on a move to America but is happy to wait until the new year, and a short-term deal at Easter Road would benefit both the player and club.McCourt, who played 90 times for Celtic during his five-year spell at Parkhead, was deemed surplus to requirements by Neil Lennon in June and according to his agent, is ‘99 per cent nailed on’ to move to the MLS.The 29-year-old began training with the Hibs squad today at their East Mains training base and according to reports, has held discussions with the club regarding a short-term deal."It's really just to keep his fitness up," Leroy McCourt, the player's brother and agent told the BBC.

"He knows the manager [Pat Fenlon] from their short time together at Derry. He's just been in today to have a look around and do a bit of training."

With the Major League Soccer season drawing to a close at the end of October, it appears that the player is happy to wait for the start of the next campaign before attempting to secure a place on the MLS roster.

"It's always been the intention to go to America," added his brother. "It's 99% nailed on that he'll go over there.

"He doesn't want to uproot his family at this stage of the season over there."

Capped 13 times for Northern Ireland, McCourt scored 16 goals during his time at Celtic after moving from hometown club Derry City in 2008.

The winger, who played briefly under Pat Fenlon at the Brandywell, is a free agent and has been linked with a number of English clubs including Birmingham City and Peterborough United.

McCourt spent a few days on trial at London Road and lined out for Darren Ferguson's side in a pre-season friendly but wasn't keen on a move to League One according to the club's chairman Barry Fry.