East Kilbride manager Mick Kennedy claims he was surprised at facing Celtic first-team player James McCarthy during their recent victory over Celtic’s B team.
McCarthy, a seasoned midfielder with experience at Hamilton Accies, Wigan, Everton, and the Republic of Ireland national team, has found first-team opportunities limited at Celtic under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.
He hasn’t had a seat on Celtic’s bench for over a year, with his last appearance for the first team coming on as a sub against Hibs on the 15th of October 2022, playing 14 minutes.
McCarthy’s inclusion in the B team lineup for the Lowland League match was unexpected for Kennedy and his squad. Despite McCarthy’s presence, East Kilbride secured a 2-0 win, with goals from Scott Ferguson and Joao Balde, extending their lead at the top of the league.
Mick Kennedy, who also owns fast-food chain Black Rooster said, “Everyone was like: ‘What’s happening there?’
“But, for us, it didn’t change anything. Obviously, it meant Celtic had added quality but in terms of the game plan and tactics, everything stayed the same.
“For James, it probably meant he was getting something a bit different to a Premiership game, in terms of more time and space.
“I think that is the first time since Celtic B have been in the Lowland League that there has been a proper first team squad member playing, and our boys were motivated to do well.
“Celtic B, as I have always said, are a really gifted young side with loads of quality and energy.
“I think James brought in a bit more experience to the group.
“We worked really hard all week on our game plan and, to be fair to the boys, they delivered it to absolute perfection.
“I think Celtic struggle on grass pitches, but on their home turf in Airdrie, Celtic are a different animal. But that is twice this season we’ve gone there and won.
“On Saturday, we should have been out of sight in the first 15-20 minutes.
“We had four of five really good opportunities.”
Kennedy added in the Daily Record: “I’ve known James since he was 18 and I know his family as well. I had a good chat with him before the game and briefly after it.
“The move to Celtic, obviously, hasn’t worked out for him and I hope for him, and his family’s sake, he can get something sorted and get on with his career.”
McCarthy will likely never feature for Celtic again, and it’s probably in his best interest to get some minutes in the Lowland League as he searches for game time elsewhere.
Bad move, he only kept a young learner from playing.
Another of Celtics idiotic signings.
Who next Pa Broon.