In his hour and a half of need at St Mirren last night there was no place for James McCarthy in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
David Turnbull is the latest injury victim with the Celtic boss opting to go with Nir Bitton to join Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic for last night’s match.
Going with Bitton wasn’t a complete surprise with the Israeli featuring regularly in recent weeks as Postecoglou attempts limited rotation without putting results at risk.
When Bitton was toiling last night McCarthy would have seemed to be the logical replacement but in the 80th minute the Celtic boss sent Liam Shaw on for his SPFL debut.
McCarthy played the full 90 minutes a fortnight ago against Real Betis but despite resources getting thinner and thinner he has sat out the last four matches.
Last season the 31-year-old started 10 EPL matches for Crystal Palace with a further six appearances coming off the bench.
Since his move to Celtic in August he has only started three SPFL matches with one further appearance as a substitute. With new signings expected in January and Shaw catching the eye of Postecoglou it is looking increasingly difficult to see where the former Everton and Wigan midfielder will fit in at Celtic.
Bad 2 points dropped against a poor team just not good enough on the night we move on .
The problems is the HIGH PAID PLAYERS can’t play 3 games a fortnight IF THEY ARE NOT FIT ENOUGH PUNT THEM they have got to be rested. if that is the case punt them as that is what the big man would have done, the striker should have been played.CHRISTIE should have been kept it was LENNON THAT RUINED HIM ‘ ANGE PLAY THEM OR GET RID ie Mcarthy also have a good look at your FITNESS EXPERTS
i said he was a waste of money before we signed him,he is too injury prone and has shown nothing in the few occasions he has played,what makes our backroom staff think they can get him fit when several epl teams couldnt,we need a total overhaul of directors ,coaches, scouts and medical staff.
For goodness sake Ange. Bloody well play Mc Carthy
We have one of the most successful SPFL goal scorers sitting on the bench at Dundee. The reason Gruff lost his touch was because of the abuse he was given by our last two deceitful managers. We play untried strikers to try and win us important games. This game was more important than winning a cup. Get Gruff back now and we will win the title.
I agree Rob ,we must get Griff back because he is a better player than Ajeti and giakomakis.
I would have Griff back in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, to the people running our club he is a PR liability and has burned his bridges.
I think ANGE is aware of the background and sanctioned him being put out on loan.
I don’t think we will see him in the Hoops again. more the pity.