The Celtic supporters are now rightly asking questions about the James McCarthy situation after his surprising Fir Park snub on Saturday.
McCarthy is the Hoops’ most experienced midfielder yet has only managed to accumulate a grand total of 8 appearances in which only 3 came in the starting XI [Transfermarkt].
A frustrating first month at the club in which he needed to build up his fitness levels was followed by a disappointing spell in the team in which the player simply looked off the pace. He came in for noticeable stick after a defeat to Livingston, after which a report emerged regarding whether he was even Ange Postecoglou’s signing [The Athletic].
He’s since had to settle for the odd cameo role. Many therefore looked at the October international break as a key chance for McCarthy to reset. An opportunity for the former Everton and Crystal Palace star to recharge the batteries and go on a run of form.
So it’s a bad look. Missing the first game back when he should’ve been in one of the best places to start doesn’t paint a pretty picture for him.
Ange Postecoglou didn’t mention James McCarthy in any injury updates
It’s also worth saying that Postecoglou hasn’t provided information that would suggest McCarthy is injured once more. In recent updates regarding his squad, he’s yet to mention the experienced Republic of Ireland international.
That suggests he simply isn’t in the manager’s plans at the moment. For whatever reason that is. But there’s no way McCarthy comes out looking rosy if that’s the case. Not when he’s on a likely lucrative 4-year contract.
It’s that longevity of contract that makes Celtic fans want to see an instant impact from him. We want to see this talented former EPL stalwart show signs and glimpses of the quality he can bring to Parkhead in the long-term.
But at the moment we’re getting nothing. It won’t be long until it’s 3 months since McCarthy arrived. He signed on the same day as Joe Hart – look at the difference in impact.
And after his Fir Park snub, at a time when fans were hoping he would burst onto the scene, they’ve instead been asking serious questions about the player:
In other news, Callum McGregor dismisses tiring Celtic vs Ferencvaros subplot
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