Chris Sutton has been disappointed by the Celtic summer signing of James McCarthy but still thinks there is time for him to make an impact at the Bhoys.
McCarthy signed as a free agent having played for Crystal Palace last season. However, given his status and the fact he signed for Celtic towards the end of the transfer window, he was significantly short of match fitness.
Covid issues also caused a setback in his training as he looked to win his way into Ange Postecoglou’s midfield.
Sutton wants more from the Republic of Ireland star, writing in his Daily Record column: “What must be a disappointment for the boss at this stage is the fact that McCarthy hasn’t yet, for whatever reason, got up to full speed.
“We know he had problems in terms of availability before he signed and he is one signing that needs to do better.
“McCarthy can still salvage it. He’s only just in the door. But playing three games on the spin and staying fit would help. He hasn’t looked mobile when he’s come on and he’ll know it himself.
“Celtic signed him on a long-term deal with a big reputation. A boyhood fan. We know what it means to him to play for Celtic, but he needs to show it and this could become a really important period for him if anything happens to McGregor or Turnbull.”
McCarthy is again making match squads regularly. He even came off the bench away to Ferencvaros recently. So Ange clearly feels he has a base level of fitness to be involved.
That match sharpness will still be lacking though and that only comes with minutes. As Sutton says, with a busy time coming up in three different competitions you’d think there will be bigger opportunities for the former Everton man.
He definitely hasn’t won over the hearts of Celtic fans yet, but it’s still far too early to completely write him off.
In other news, Celtic supporters leave Alex Rae looking daft after bizarre Jota dig.
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