The Celtic gap James McCarthy is primed to fill as forgotten man set to relish level playing field

James McCarthy spent last term playing catch-up. But next week he will start a season on a level playing field with the rest of the Celtic squad.

And there surely remains a door wide open for McCarthy to step through and help solve a potential problem for boss Ange Postecoglou. The midfielder has become something of a forgotten man amongst the supporters. With Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic departing at the same time, there are a couple of holes to be filled in the middle of the park.

The Aussie’s departure looks easier to handle. Even without the addition of a signing for an attacking midfield position, the January captures of Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate as well as the availability of David Turnbull mean finding offensive options in the engine room shouldn’t pose too much of an issue. That’s without even mentioning Callum McGregor. Further back, though, is not so simple.

Bitton’s disappearance leaves a gap and Ismaila Soro isn’t going to be filling it. The signals are that he’ll be getting packed off on loan. Postecoglou is on the hunt. Brazilian midfielder Vinicius Souza is one being targeted and would, on the face of it, be a superb signing.

But, with the sheer volume of games Celtic play in a season, it’ll surely need another one to step forward in that area, new signing or not. Yosuke Ideguchi may have lots to offer, but so should McCarthy.

Last season was never going to be easy for him. Making his way back from injury, he pounded pavements alone in the summer to stay fit before he was able to make the transfer in August.Straight away he was behind in terms of fitness and match sharpness and, with McGregor, Turnbull and Rogic delivering for the boss in the opening half of the campaign, it was hard to get action.

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