WOW- What a shock, James McCarthy grew up as a Celtic fan!
For a decade or more the midfielder has been linked with a move to Celtic but so far it hasn’t quite happened for the kid from Castlemilk.
A day before his 16th birthday McCarthy made his league debut for Hamilton Accies, a few years later he was being linked with a move to Celtic but it was Wigan that came in with a £2m offer that was warmly welcomed by everyone at Hamilton.
In-between times the teenager had developed through the FAI youth sides after being overlooked by Scotland while growing up virtually on the doorstep of Hampden.
James McCarthy at the Celtic game today. I’m pretty sure he’s a Celtic fan, but could this mean he’s off in January? pic.twitter.com/geBFkNobaW
— Everton Blue Army (@EvertonBlueArmy) October 23, 2016
As his career developed from Wigan to Everton there was constant talk of a move to Celtic, most strongly in August 2016 soon after Brendan Rodgers took over as manager.
On 31 August 2016 the Daily Record reported:
CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers is continuing his pursuit of Everton star James McCarthy. The Hoops boss is desperate to push through a last-minute loan deal for the Republic of Ireland man but money could prove a stumbling block to get this one across the line.
McCarthy is believed to be earning £60,000-per-week at Goodison Park and various clubs are interested in the midfielder. But Celtic are asking Everton to subsidise part of his wages and if successful, could land McCarthy who is keen to join his boyhood favourites.
During the summer the rumour flickered again but he moved south to Crystal Palace, signing a deal keeping him with the London side until 2022.
McCarthy is only 28, there may still be a transfer to Celtic but whatever team he is playing for there is no doubt about what result he looks out for at the weekend.
Crystal Palace ace James McCarthy shares love for Celtic as he says he’d love to play in Old Firm derbyhttps://t.co/6td7loOQYQ pic.twitter.com/ecQas4UBvA
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) October 20, 2019