Chris Sutton has today slammed James McCarthy for his lack of influence in a Celtic jersey this season.
McCarthy was a high-profile free-transfer arrival in the summer. After over a decade of playing in the English Premeir League, Celtic fans were hoping they were getting seasoned pro who would showcase all of his experience and dominate Scottish football.
Things couldn’t have gone more differently so far. McCarthy has managed 9 appearances for the club so far but has often been left out of the team and at times out of the squad entirely. He signed on the same day as number 1 Joe Hart, and the difference in impact is staggering.
Sutton has today been talking about the Republic of Ireland international, and it’s fair to say he didn’t hold back. Speaking via the Record Celtic Podcast, Chris said: “He hasn’t got up to speed and he always seems to have a knock. We knew he had massive injury problems before he came to Celtic but I think that that’s been one of the signings where you would look at it and say ‘he needs to do better’.
“Of course he can (still salvage his Celtic career). Playing 3 games on the spin would help. Staying fit would help. Getting his fitness up to speed. He hasn’t looked mobile when he’s come on and he’ll know himself. Celtic signed him on a long-term deal and Ange Postecoglou will get some signings wrong. He came with a big reputation, boyhood fan and everything. I understand that, but he needs to get out on the pitch and show he’s the player he once was. We haven’t seen it so far.
“Maybe if he gets himself fit. This period is really important for him. He needs to use these couple of weeks to get himself up to speed.”
No signs of James McCarthy making a Celtic renaissance anytime soon
It would be great to suddenly see McCarthy burst into life at Celtic. It’s fair to say we could use his experience. But the problem is he’s looked half the player that tore things up in England with Everton and Crystal Palace respectively.
It makes little sense too. McCarthy played a total of 18 games last season and 35 the season beforehand [Transfermarkt]. He was still playing a role for Palace and gaining regular exposure in the EPL.
Yet since coming to Celtic, McCarthy has looked far too slow and casual in possession. His passing range has also looked off as he’s struggled to display all of the traits that made him such a star in England over the years.
It’s difficult to see James coming good at the club these days. We’re now into our 3rd international break of the season and we’re still saying the same thing. We’re still urging him to bolster his fitness levels and make an impact when handed it. There’s been very little progression since his signing in August to now.
Of course, there will still be chances for him to get some match-time over the next month or 2. Celtic have as many as 12 fixtures on the cards before the winter break in January. Rotation will be key, and this will therefore open a door for McCarthy.
It’s time for him to seize the moment and show that he can play a part this season. For the truth is that many are losing faith that this move is going to work out, even if the club clumsily decided to hand him a long-term deal.
In other news, Celtic boss provides positive Wednesday injury update on 4 first-team players
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