David Provan has suggested in The Scottish Sun that Celtic should not have signed James McCarthy.
Celtic announced the signing of McCarthy on a free transfer this week.
The Republic of Ireland international midfielder has joined the Bhoys on a four-year contract.
McCarthy was a free agent following his departure from Premier League club Crystal Palace at the end of last season.
Celtic legend Provan believes that the Glasgow giants made a mistake in signing McCarthy.
Provan wrote in The Scottish Sun: “Christmas came early for James McCarthy this week. A four-year contract for an injury-prone 30-year-old Crystal Palace free transfer?
“He wouldn’t have nicked that deal anywhere else. But Celtic’s desperation to beef up Ange Postecoglu’s squad has seen the midfielder and his agent hit the jackpot.
“If boyhood Celts fan McCarthy can stay fit he’ll do big Ange a turn, but it’s a big if.”
Did Celtic make a mistake with James McCarthy?
McCarthy has had injury problems, and many will say that he is past his prime.
After all, the former Everton and Wigan Athletic midfielder is 30 years of age now and made only 16 appearances in the Premier League for Palace last month.
Moreover, central midfield is a department that Celtic were already quite strong in.
However, McCarthy gives Celtic manager Ange Postecoglu another option in the middle of the park.
Yes, the 30-year-old may not able to start week in and week out due to competition for places, but he is a good player to have as a substitute.
Celtic are aiming to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title from bitter Old Firm rivals Rangers this season.
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