McAvennie ‘disappointed’ at what he’s seen from McCarthy at Celtic
Frank McAvennie has admitted he is “disappointed” with James McCarthy after he made a return to league action for Celtic.
The former Hoops hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, wants to see more from the midfielder.
McCarthy, 31, played the full 90 minutes for the first time as a Celtic player in 28 November’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen.
The midfielder has struggled with injuries this season and has only made 12 appearances since becoming a Hoops player last summer (2021).
He has failed to score but provided an eye-catching assist in 23 August’s cup win over Raith Rovers.
McAvennie admits he still has concerns about McCarthy as a Celtic player.
“I’m disappointed with McCarthy,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He’s not hit the ground running, has he? I do really rate him but so far he hasn’t been a good signing.
“I look at the regular midfield and I see Celtic needing a holding player in there.
“I know he can play there but he’s been a poor signing, for me.
“He’s not done it for me. It’s not like he can’t turn it around.
“I want to see a bit more from him to be honest. I think he can improve but we need to see it soon.”
McCarthy has featured heavily in the Scottish League Cup with Celtic set to play Hibernian in the final.
The teams face off at Hampden on December 19 with the Hoops looking to regain the trophy after St Johnstone’s win last season.
In other news, McAvennie has told Celtic to pay up as new asking price for loan star revealed.