The James McCarthy mystery deepens
Soccer Football - Europa League - Group G - Ferencvaros v Celtic - Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary - November 4, 2021 Celtic's Liam Scales with James McCarthy after the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
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.