Reported Celtic target James McCarthy watched the Bhoys in action last weekend.
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
Everton midfielder James McCarthy is currently out of action through injury – and was seen watching Celtic at Hampden Park last weekend.
The 25-year-old missed out on last week’s defeat at Burnley having picked up an injury on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, and is set to miss this weekend’s clash with West Ham United as well.
Bournemouth’s Eunan O’Kane in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
When McCarthy was out of action last week, he was seen at Hampden Park as he travelled up to Scotland to watch Celtic take on Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.
As seen in the below tweet, McCarthy was seen in the stands wearing a green and white Celtic scarf as the Bhoys clinched a 1-0 victory.
McCarthy told the Irish Independent back in 2014 that he grew up supporting Celtic, and it’s clear that his love for the club remains having travelled up to watch them in action last weekend.
The sight of McCarthy watching his boyhood club will once again spark rumours of a move for the Irishman, given that the Daily Mail reported before August’s transfer deadline that Celtic were keen to take McCarthy on loan.
Republic of Ireland’s James McCarthy as Italy’s Stefano Sturaro sustains an injury
McCarthy’s Everton future is somewhat up in the air. Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye have emerged as Ronald Koeman’s first-choice midfield partnership, whilst The Mirror reported last week that Koeman wants to land fellow Dutchman Kevin Strootman, which would push Strootman further down the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Celtic could offer McCarthy first-team football – potentially in Europe depending on their Champions League fate – with manager Brendan Rodgers potentially looking for another midfielder given Nir Bitton’s inconsistent displays.
McCarthy’s affinity with the club would surely make him consider a move to Glasgow, even if it means swapping the Premier League for Scottish football, and Rodgers should certainly be looking to lure McCarthy to Celtic Park n January.
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