Ahead of US Internationalist Cameron Carter-Vickers moving to Celtic on the last day of the summer transfer window, American journalist Larry Henry Jr from SBI Soccer provided The Celtic Star will detailed insight into the Tottenham player’s attributes and his aspirations in the game which were so suited to what was on offer at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou. Henry’s insight, linking Cameron-Vickers to Celtic was pretty much the first link and came very early in the transfer window shortly after Ange Postecoglou took over from interim manager John Kennedy at the end of June 2021.
Larry Henry Jr has contacts close to the American international defender who has so impressed since completing what turned out to be a loan move rather than a permanent transfer and recently Ange Postecoglou confirmed that this was the way things worked out simply because there wasn’t the time to complete the permanent move ahead of the summer window slamming shut. The Celtic manager though made no secret of the fact that he wants to convert both summer loan deals – for permanent contract in this transfer window and talks are currently ongoing with Tottenham re Cameron Carter-Vickers and Benfica re Jota to hopefully make those deals happen.
So we thought we’d get back to Larry Henry to get his update on the Carter-Vickers situation as well as other matters relating to Celtic and football in the United States. Here’s how we got on…
Photo: Jeff Holmes
Starting with Cameron Carter-Vickers…
The Celtic Star: Cameron Carter-Vickers has been an excellent signing for Celtic, arriving on loan from Tottenham, what have you been most impressed about?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: I know Cameron has been on several loan spells from Spurs over the years, but I am impressed with his quick transition to the Scottish Premiership. He jumped right into Ange’s plans and hasn’t come out of the squad at all barring a slight personal issue which caused him to miss a match. Cam is a talented player and a hardworking professional and I think he’s become a fan favorite at Celtic Park so far.
The Celtic Star: Celtic are looking to make the deal permanent, have you heard anything stateside regarding this?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: Per a source close to the player, I know Celtic is trying to get this deal done in January, although I’m not sure it will because Tottenham may wait until the summer. I think honestly it would be best for both Celtic and Tottenham to agree to a deal now rather than wait, but sadly I am not in control of those talks.
Cameron Carter-Vickers in action during the Europa League match played between Real Betis and Celtic FC at Benito Villamarin stadium on September 16, 2021, in Sevilla.. Photo: Joaquin Corchero
The Celtic Star: After a few loan spells, Carter-Vickers has really settled in Glasgow, what do you think it has been down to?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: I believe Celtic is a great environment for any player, whether young or old. Cam is looking for the best opportunity to develop and round out his game and I think Celtic has shown in the past, they will give opportunities if you work hard. Tim Weah is another American international who I thought did well at Celtic when he needed game time.
The Celtic Star: Is the player enjoying his time with Celtic?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: He is. A source close to the player did tell me back in the fall that Cam has been enjoying the time in Glasgow and with Celtic. He just wants to play regularly and give the team the best chance to win and I think he is doing well at both. Celtic will be pushing for the Premiership title and I think Cam is a big part of that.
Riley McGree of Australia looks on during an Australian Socceroos training session on May 27, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Moving on to Riley McGree…
The Celtic Star: Celtic are being linked with a £2m move for Riley McGree of Charlotte FC, what do you know about him?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: McGree is an attacking midfielder who I think could be a good addition for Celtic in the final third. He has mainly played in his native Australia and in England with Birmingham City, but is another player who I think is in need of a move to play regularly. He’s creative and talented so Celtic could provide a good opportunity in a new environment.
The Celtic Star: Why is he not sticking around in America?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: Charlotte FC will begin its life in MLS this season, but McGree might not be ready for a regular role with the expansion club as it hits the ground running. I think a move to Celtic on loan might be better so he can play immediately rather than sit and wait at Charlotte. I also believe he would take an international roster spot with Charlotte FC, so a move to Celtic would help the club use that spot for someone else that they might be paying much more money for.
Riley McGree of Australia warms up with team mates before during the FIFA World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between the Australia Socceroos and Saudi Arabia at CommBank Stadium on November 11, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The Celtic Star: What can Celtic expect from the 23-year-old?
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: I think Celtic can expect a hardworking midfielder who can help with goals, assists, and creative chances. McGree has earned seven caps for Australia and has experience in the England Championship, which is also a tough league to be consistent in. Celtic could use additional attacking help and I think McGree might be another one who could reap the rewards of a move to the Premiership.
Ismaila Soro during the UEFA Europa League Group G stage match between Real Betis and Celtic FC at Benito Villamarin Stadium. Photo Jose Luis Contreras
Ismalia Soro linked to New York Red Bulls..
Manny Perez #2 of Austin FC controls the ball against the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field on May 30, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Andrew Gutman of FC Cincinnati controls the ball during the match against DC United at Nippert Stadium on August 21, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer: It’s tough to say because of contract situations but one player I thought Celtic could have used was James Sands, the NYCFC midfielder who recently just earned an 18-month loan spell with rivals (the)Rangers. He’s a versatile player who can play as a No. 6, a center back, or even a right back. A few other young players who I think could be linked with moves abroad and could help a team like Celtic are Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan, D.C. United left back/midfielder Kevin Paredes, and FC Dallas midfielder Paxton Pomykal. All three are rising talents at their age level and are highly touted within U.S. Soccer’s national teams.
US Interest in Celtic
* Larry Henry Jr is the Managing Editor – SBI Soccer, Flyers Correspondent – Fox Sports The Gambler Philadelphia, HS Sports Contributor – Glory Days Online.
And for those who missed this one on The Celtic Star, here’s a catch-up chance to check out the photographs given to this site by the former Celtic Director Tom Grant of the demolition of the old Celtic Park and in its place the emergence of the New Celtic Park which we know and love today. These photographs are fascinating and well worth checking out on the link below…
READ THIS…Exclusive – A Phoenix Rising, a House of Steel. Celtic Park Redevelopment Photographs
Think the Guttman and Perez deals broke down because they couldnt get work permits rather than them not working out due to talent issues. They were strange deals to begin with because neither were internationals so it would have been near on impossible to get any type of permit for either player.
I agree Paul, however I didn’t see them playing major roles in the team anyway. Gutman has done solid in MLS