James McCarthy is yet to make a significant impression on the Celtic support but his Republic of Ireland teammate Daryl Horgan has warned not to write off the midfielder [Daily Record].
The 31-year old midfielder was used as a bit part player in Ange Postecoglou’s first season at the club only managing to be in the starting eleven on a few occasions.
Many Celtic fans are sceptical about whether McCarthy was an Ange signing or whether this was one made by the club or Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond due to his links with the FAI as he was hand a four-year contract last summer.
He played a small part in the Hoops title win and did manage to secure a medal with Postecoglou bringing on the midfielder on trophy day so that he could be eligible for a medal.
In recent days there has been speculation surrounding McCarthy’s future with the former Crystal Palace player being linked with a move back down south.
With the arrival of Australian international Aaron Mooy who is of a similar age to McCarthy, it is likely that he is still far down the pecking order at the Hoops and is likely to once again be used as a sporadic player but his former teammate from the national side still thinks that his old pal can still do a turn.
“If James is to leave Celtic then it’ll be a huge wrench for him as a supporter of the club. I know first-hand about players who are Celtic fans who would do anything to be there,” said Daryl Horgan speaking to the Daily Record.
“It becomes the boyhood dream versus being forced to decide to continue your career elsewhere to prolong it for as long as you possibly can. Because of the player James was and still is, there will always be attractive offers for him.
“But we all know football. You do get forgotten quickly. James is only 31 and wants to play at the highest level he can. He wants to play regularly.
“The decisions you make later on in your career are more final and can be more definitive. If you make the wrong move then there are consequences for your family where you unsettle your wife and kids.
“Every move can be huge for a family, especially if you’re making a lot of them. It’s a very short window when you’re a professional footballer so it’s a decision only James can make. Does he stick it out and wait for his opportunity with Celtic or will he have to jump ship at some point?
“The bottom line is that we also have no idea what the thoughts and plans of the manager Ange Postecoglou are. We can only speculate but we all know James is a fantastic footballer and you don’t lose that overnight, he’s just been left out of one squad.
“Every player needs to be able to generate a bit of momentum and build their confidence. You chuck a player in who hasn’t played for two months and expect them to be brilliant, it doesn’t work that way, it can be very hard.”
There is still plenty of time left in the window and if McCarthy is looking for game time he may look towards the exit door at Celtic Park and part company with the team he loves.
