James McCarthy set for big Celtic opportunity after Ange update on his progress

By John McGinley

November 27, 2021

Ange Postecoglou thinks James McCarthy is closing in on a starting opportunity for Celtic.

The Republic of Ireland international has featured off of the bench in three matches throughout November but hasn’t started for Celtic since 26th September in a 1-1 draw with Dundee United.

With question marks over the fitness of Nir Bitton and a heavy schedule ahead, McCarthy is now set to feature in an eleven shortly – if not tomorrow then over the next week.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Postecoglou said: “I thought James McCarthy did OK [versus Bayer Leverkusen. I was going to put him on anyway and we had to when we took Nir off.

Asked if he is set to get more action, the Bhoys boss continued: “I think so. There have been those signs and he is ready for an opportunity. That may come on Sunday or next week. He is ready for that.”

For me, McCarthy has been one of, if not the most, underwhelming signings of the Postecoglou reign so far.

While we’ve seen swift progress for players such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, Joe Hart and Cameron Carter-Vickers, the 31-year-old has been playing catch-up since the start.

There are reasons outwith the player’s control for that of course. I’m sure he’s working hard to get up to the necessary fitness after a summer without a club.

Everybody wants McCarthy to be an eventual success at Celtic and, given the length of his contract, there is plenty of time ahead for him to make an impact.

It would be rather nice if that started sooner rather than later, however.

In other news, Michael Stewart is often spot on about Celtic but today he got it badly wrong.