Celtic backed to green light James McCarthy deal after update – expert
Frank McAvennie has suggested James McCarthy could leave Celtic on loan this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Hoops striker said McCarthy will struggle from game time if he stays at Parkhead.
According to FootballScotland (2 August), the 31-year-old is understood to be linked with a move to Sunderland.
The former Ireland international has three years remaining on his contract with the Scottish champions.
McCarthy was an unused substitute in Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Ross County on Saturday (6 August).
McAvennie claimed Celtic may look for a loan move for the midfielder given the length remaining on his contract.
“I think he’s a wonderful talent,” McAvennie told Football Insider.
“He’s come up to Scotland and he’s not getting a game. He’s on a big contract, are Celtic going to pay it up? I would imagine he will want to play football and he’s not going to get a game at Celtic, he’s going to get bit parts.
“He’s seeing these players coming in and they’re all midfield players so he must be thinking he might not get a game. He’ll be saying to his agent that he wants to play, he’ll be looking for a loan move or a deal where he can go and play football.
“The more he plays the better he becomes. He’s a talent but the more he plays the better and fitter he becomes. Because he’s not playing all the time, he’s coming in and getting injured and then he’s out again. You’ve got to get your body back into shape and he’s not going to get that at Celtic.
“If it was me I would go. With the competition he’s got it’s no surprise he has to go. It could be a loan because he’s got a long contract. He’s one of the ones that Celtic will be looking to move on.“
In other news, a pundit has tipped Mikey Johnston and Celtic teammate to seal exit after Saturday development.