According to some, Celtic’s defeat at Livingston on Sunday was solely the fault of James McCarthy.
The midfielder won’t need told that he turned in a poor performance, before being substituted in the second half he ‘delivered’ a serious of bewildering passes as Celtic toiled in the chase for an equaliser.
After more than a decade in England the plastic pitch of the Toni Macaroni Arena must have felt like playing on the moon for the former Hamilton Accies prospect.
Starting his first match on the grass of Celtic Park, last night McCarthy looked much more like the player Celtic have desired and required.
Raith barely threatened Celtic but the 30-year-old showed that there is more to his game than being a holding, destructive midfielder.
His contribution to the opening goal from Jota was exceptional- a combination of instinct and vision provided the platform for a place in the semi-final against St Johnstone.
McCarthy wasn’t signed to play against Raith Rovers but last night’s display provided a glimpse of what he can provide as Celtic’s season enters a critical phase.
A first Celtic goal for Jota! ?
And what an assist that is from James McCarthy ? pic.twitter.com/OrtREymy0A
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 23, 2021
Impressed with James McCarthy tonight. Went out about his business in a mature, calm and efficient manner, and got a lovely assist for Jota. Will be nice to see him slot in alongside Calmac ? pic.twitter.com/ldtVCBqoI9
— ? Celtic1967.com ? (@Celtic1967_com) September 23, 2021
Mccarthy played well. Can’t wait to see him and Calmac in the same team.
— Rod Wallace (@rodtheplodNo9) September 23, 2021
Best game McCarthy has had .. need to keep it going now Jamesy
— John McK (@McJmckenna) September 23, 2021
McCarthy was class
— Kenny ???????? (@SuperStarfelt) September 23, 2021
James McCarthy getting some stick but that’s his best game, he’s going to take a few more games to get up to speed. ?
— frankie (@SteinJock) September 23, 2021
2?? Two @FAIreland players appeared for Celtic tonight, James McCarthy and Liam Scales, for the first time since Shane Duffy and Armstrong Okoflex played for the Bhoys against Livingston in January 2021#COYBIGhttps://t.co/NYhZtjtQfY
— Irish Abroad (@irish_abroad) September 23, 2021
Brilliant first half. Very enjoyable to watch. Well done on James McCarthy for his brilliant pass to help Jota score the first goal. McCarthy has come in to a bit of criticism since he came in. More of the same second half, Bhoys. ??
— ?? Claire ?? (@ClaireyMac1888) September 23, 2021
