Celtic

Celtic: Alan Hutton believes Hoops would be willing to accept offers for James McCarthy

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Image for Celtic: Alan Hutton believes Hoops would be willing to accept offers for James McCarthy

Former professional full-back Alan Hutton has claimed that Celtic would listen to either loan or permanent offers for James McCarthy.

The centre-midfielder has seen just 62 minutes worth of football so far this season often finding himself as an unused substitute.

He arrived on a free transfer last summer but quickly found himself on the fringes of Ange Postecoglou’s side.

The 31-year-old made just six starts across all competitions and with Aaron Mooy and Oliver Abildgaard joining in the summer, you wonder if the Irishman is now surplus to requirements.

Speaking to Football Insider when asked about whether the Celts would be open to letting McCarthy leave temporarily or on a permanent basis, Hutton said:

“I think they will be open to both.

“I think if they can get some money in through the door to then reinvest it somewhere else I think they would rather that option.

“There is no getting away from the fact that he is a really great football player. He has struggled with injuries over the years.

“I was surprised at the contract they actually gave him. It was a long-term deal at the time with somebody who had not really been able to stay fit. It was a bit of a strange one.

“When he has played we have seen in flashes what he is capable of but it has not been on that consistent level. I think if offers do come in they will definitely listen to them.“

TIF Thoughts on Hutton’s comments…

Can McCarthy change his fortunes at Celtic?

Yes

Yes

No

No

McCarthy’s injury troubles date all the way back to his days with Wigan before being consistently hampered at Everton and Crystal Palace.

Much to Hutton’s surprise of course the midfielder signed until 2025 but with the Glasgow giants hoping to free up space on their wage bill, it is thought that they are hoping to move the 42-cap Republic of Ireland international on.

The 5 ft 9 dynamo earns £14k-per-week at Parkhead which is currently more than Giorgos Giakoumakis, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Greg Taylor.

Given his role in the team, it doesn’t warrant that sort of earnings and we feel McCarthy could well be let go although finding a potential suitor may prove difficult.

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