Celtic star's Lowland League run out a massive shock to East Kilbride boss, as he hopes midfielder gets career back on track

East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy admits it was a massive shock for his side to face Celtic first team player James McCarthy in Saturday’s win over the Hoops’ B team.

Kilby rocked up to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium expecting a tough game against a young and energetic side, managed by ex-EK defender Darren O’Dea.

But what came as a huge surprise was seeing former Hamilton Accies, Wigan and Everton midfielder McCarthy on the team sheet.

McCarthy was signed by Celtic in 2021 at the age of 30 by Ange Postecoglou, but first team opportunities were minimal under the Aussie and his successor Brendan Rodgers this season.

Now, the Republic of Ireland international – who has over a year left on his contract – has become a bit of a forgotten man at Celtic and finds himself playing in the B team to get minutes.

It wasn’t Celtic’s day as EK ran out 2-0 winners, thanks to two goals in two minutes late in the first half from Scott Ferguson and Joao Balde.

The win extends their lead at the top of the Lowland League to seven points, with two games in hand, ahead of Saturday’s visit from Gretna 2008.

And Kennedy said: “When we turned up and saw him in the squad it was a massive shock to us.

“Everyone was like: ‘What’s happening there?’

“But, for us, it didn’t change anything.

“Obviously, it meant Celtic had added quality but in terms of the game plan and tactics, everything stayed the same.

“For James, it probably meant he was getting something a bit different to a Premiership game, in terms of more time and space.

“I think that is the first time since Celtic B have been in the Lowland League that there has been a proper first team squad member playing, and our boys were motivated to do well.

“Celtic B, as I have always said, are a really