James McCarthy return gives Celtic much-needed depth at the right time

Add as preferred source on Google

It’s not been spoken about much, but the importance of James McCarthy making a return for Celtic can’t be underestimated.

The Republic of Ireland international signed for the club back in August. However, it’s been anything but an ideal start to life for him in Glasgow.

After being released by Crystal Palace, the experienced midfielder was given 30 minutes of action before having to miss three consecutive games due to injury. It was a setback at just the wrong time.

But fortunately, the international break has come along and McCarthy was back in the fold yesterday. Once again, he was given the final 12 minutes, only this time he made a key goal contribution to seal the 3-0 success.

McCarthy made an advancing run into the box to connect with David Turnbull’s cross with a bullet header. His effort came off the crossbar, with Albian Ajeti there to nod home the rebound. It was a small moment in the context of the game, but a massive one for McCarthy.

It was essential that he used the international break to kick himself on. He needs to start making an impact over the next month or so if he wants to be considered a first-team regular this season.

James McCarthy gives Celtic the midfield depth we need

Words can’t underestimate how much we needed another central midfielder before McCarthy’s return. Look at yesterday’s matchday squad for example.

Celtic had a starting midfield of Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, and Tom Rogic. On the bench, they had Ismaila Soro and McCarthy. If the latter had still been building up his fitness, we would’ve had one available proven midfielder to replace anyone who came off.

With McCarthy back, Celtic finally have a bit of protection in the engine room. We now have four available central midfielders for two spots. There’s also Liam Shaw and Nir Bitton who can both play there if necessary. Granted, the former isn’t quite ready whilst the latter clearly isn’t trusted.

McCarthy’s versatility is what makes him such an attractive candidate however. It wasn’t only his goal contribution either. He was happy to drop deep on occasion and help carry the ball from a more defensive position. He was roaming all around the central midfield doing whatever needed to be done. An attacking threat and an experienced ball carrier? He can fit into more than one role for Postecoglou, that’s for sure.

It’s now all about getting McCarthy some more minutes in high-intensity games. It will be interesting, for example, if Postecoglou decides to trust him in Spain on Thursday night. Even if he doesn’t start of course, McCarthy is still a useful asset to have in the squad. He adds a much-needed body to the midfield ranks when we were looking far to bare.

Now, here’s hoping he can kick on and rediscover the form that had him shining in the EPL over the years.

In other news, Celtic boss credits Albian Ajeti for taking key half-time message on board