Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has admitted he’s not sure why the club signed James McCarthy.
The Hoops brought the midfielder to the club on a free transfer last summer signing him to a four-year contract.
The 31-year-old made 272 appearances in the Premier League but a move to his boyhood club has proved less successful.
McCarthy played less than 750 minutes for the Scottish champions last season and so far this term has played just four times.
Now McAvennie has told Football Insider that he isn’t sure whether the Irishman has the ability to play for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He said: “I do not know what has happened to McCarthy, he is just lost now.
“Why they bought McCarthy I do not know. I thought he was going to come in and be the holding player in midfield. I liked him I thought he was a great player.
“Now, he does not look fit when he comes on. He obviously is not match fit. I do not know if the manager has sat down with him and told him there is a space there and he needs to step up.”
TIF Thoughts on McAvennie’s comments…
Can McCarthy change his fortunes at Celtic?
Yes
No
McAvennie’s concerns come amid an injury to captain Callum McGregor who had been holding down his place at the base of Celtic’s midfield.
A role McCarthy is accustomed to playing in.
However, the 42-cap Republic of Ireland international has managed just 44 minutes this season albeit most of which has come since the skipper’s setback.
The £1.44m-rated enforcer has seemingly moved up the pecking order but still being limited to late substitute appearances doesn’t bode well for the former Crystal Palace man’s future.
With three years still remaining on his contract, McAvennie is right to ask questions and he could well be let go before that deal expires.