Celtic midfielder's Parkhead exit predicted as star goes from 'hardman' billing to 'why would he stay' query

Hamilton legend James McCarthy returned to Scottish football last year on a deal until 2025 - but his Celtic exit could come this summer.

The midfielder arrived at Parkhead in 2021 following impressive stints in England with Wigan, Everton and Crystal Palace.

His spell with the Hoops - who could clinch the Premiership trophy with victory over Dundee United - has been frustrating amid plenty of time on the bench.

In total McCarthy has made 21 appearances this campaign and his last top flight start was way back on Boxing Day against St Johnstone.

Playing four league games since and totalling up 45 minutes on the pitch, Celtic legend Frank McAvennie reckons it may be best for both to part ways.

He expected a big impact from the 31-year-old but it hasn't quite worked out as either party would have hoped.

The former striker told Football Insider : “I thought he was going to come in and be our hardman in the midfield.

“He likes a tackle but it hasn’t quite happened for him this season. Some of the midfielders have gone off the boil a bit, like Hatate, and he can’t find a way in.

“Hopefully he can get himself fit over pre-season because he started this season injured, it’s been a struggle for him.

“But if he can’t do that then, well, we already have a lot of midfielders and if he isn’t going to play, why would he stay?"

McCarthy is a hero at former club Hamilton, where he started his career as a teenager and made 99 appearances before joining Wigan.

A product of the club's academy, he is still the man referred to as the big example for Accies youngsters to follow after leaving New Douglas Park for an initial £2 million, alongside add-ons.

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