Celtic news: Hutton slams big-name signing who pales in comparison with Reo Hatate
Alan Hutton has questioned whether James McCarthy is fit enough to play in Ange Postecoglou’s “high intensity” system at Celtic.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 31-year-old was outshone by Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor in Monday’s win over Dundee United.
McCarthy came off the bench with 15 minutes to replace Matt O’Riley in the 3-0 victory.
It was the midfielder’s first appearance since February and only his sixth since the turn of the year.
Hutton suggested the former Crystal Palace man has struggled to adapt to the “high energy” demands under Postecoglou.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He obviously came in with a wealth of experience.
“But he’s another player that has struggled to stay fit.
“I think if you look at the options right now and how Ange Postecoglou plays the game, it’s very high intensity and high energy. Is he able to do that?
“You look at the ground Hatate covers, even McGregor. They’re workhorses. They get up and down the pitch, they make things happen and that question mark is over James McCarthy.
“Is he capable of doing that for 90 minutes? At the moment, I’m not so sure.
“I think it’s up to him to go and prove that he can play in this team. That he can get to the levels needed to play that high energy football.”
McCarthy has played a total of 20 times for Celtic since joining on a free transfer last summer.
However, he has just four league starts under his belt, the last of which came on Boxing Day 2021.
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