Struggling Celtic star tipped to be a big success at Parkhead

Celtic have had a wonderful record when it comes to signing players ever since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager last summer. Since they, they have brought in stars like Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Joe Hart and several others, who have come in and played a huge part in the Hoops’ Scottish Premiership and League Cup triumphs this season.

That does not mean that the club have not had their fair share of questionable signings during the time of Postecoglou as manager. That will always be part of football.

Perhaps the biggest transfer mistake from last summer has looked like the decision to bring in James McCarthy, on a four-year deal, after the former Everton star had become a free agent, with his Crystal Palace contract running out. It would be safe to say that the move to Parkhead has not worked out for him, as he has barely featured.

Billy Reid, who saw McCarthy come through the ranks and break into senior football, during their time together at Hamilton Academical, has still backed the Republic of Ireland international to be a big success for Celtic. As reported by the Daily Record, the current Brighton & Hove Albion coach said:

"“James is in a position where he needs to prove himself all over again and show Celtic the player he can be.“He’s been blighted by injuries in the latter part of his career but people forget that he had an incredible amount of senior appearances as a teenager and had huge demands placed on him.“Those challenges were met head on and he not only showed his ability but also a huge character which he’ll need to call upon once again.“But nobody needs to convince me he can still be a big success at Celtic.“There will be some who have their doubts but if James can get minutes under his belt then I’d back him to make the cynics eat their words.”"

Can the struggling Celtic star still prove to be a success at Parkhead?

McCarthy was a top player during his peak but at the moment, it does not look like he is anywhere near that level.

The fact that both Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton are set to leave in the summer and he still does not have a clear path into the starting XI, before Celtic have made any replacement signings, just goes on to show his position in the squad.

If McCarthy can return to his best, he can still be a contributor to the club, but it is hard to see him rediscovering both his form and fitness anytime soon. One can only hope that he is able to though.