The Celtic supporters are ready to see a big renaissance from struggling talent

By David Walton

November 29, 2021

The Celtic supporters are ready to see a big renaissance from James McCarthy after his first 90-minute appearance proved to be a successful one.

McCarthy was surprisingly given a rare start against Aberdeen yesterday in a huge Premiership crunch clash. 3 points were a necessity after Rangers had previously put Livingston to the sword. McCarthy’s inclusion, then, was a touch bewildering given the fact he’s largely disappointed since signing in the summer.

However, Celtic fans were left satisfied with what they saw from him. Despite a quiet first-half, the Republic of Ireland international was a key influence in the second 45. Ensuring Lewis Ferguson was kept quiet, McCarthy did the simple stuff as he broke play up and moved the ball out of danger.

Not to mention he produced a valuable contribution to the winning goal. It was James’ through ball that caused the keystone cops defending from the Dons, with Callum McGregor netting the winner. Celtic would see the game out in straight-forward enough fashion, and much of this was down to McCarthy’s steady hand.

Next up for Celtic is Hearts on Thursday night as the games come thick and fast. It’s anyone’s guess as to whether McCarthy will bag another start. But what he’s suggested is that he can be a reliable option when Ange Postecoglou feels the need to rotate.

Is James McCarthy starting a Celtic renaissance?

What Celtic fans and Postecoglou needed to see yesterday was a confidence. We needed to be shown that McCarthy could be utilised on a rotational basis. He still isn’t a part of Celtic’s strongest XI and we all know that. But when changes need to be made due to fatigue, can we trust the former Crystal Palace man to step up to the plate?

The signs yesterday were promising in that regard, or at least the second-half performance was. Signs hopefully that McCarthy is ready to offer us something here, and right in time for the festive period.

Games won’t always be as slow in tempo as yesterday was of course. Celtic will be stepping it up over the next few weeks as they look to pile the pressure on Rangers. McCarthy needs to prove he can still be valuable in that regard.

But it was a promising start for him. He needed that performance and he needs the backing of the supporters.

It’s fair to say after yesterday, he’s getting plenty of the latter. Here’s a look at some of the reaction to his display:

In other news, Celtic-linked Dutch international starting to rip it up in Ligue 1 ahead of January