“It’s a dream come true. Growing up, I was massive Celtic fan and have been since. Throughout the family, it’s a massive thing for each and every one us and I can’t wait to get started now. It’s something you dream of as a kid,” James McCarthy told the official Celtic FC website this morning. The new Celtic signing who will shortly be speaking to the Celtic Fan Media, including of course The Celtic Star, is clearly over the moon at long last joining the club he’s supported all his life.
Being a fan though is not enough, something we found to our cost last season with McCarthy’s Irish international teammate Shane Duffy. But the circumstances where vastly different and there’s real optimisim that a fully fit James McCarthy will be a huge success wearing a Celtic jersey.
🆕🍀 A dream come true for our new No.1⃣6⃣, James McCarthy! 🟢⚪️#WelcomeMcCarthy
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 6, 2021
“There has been a lot of speculation throughout the years, but when I knew it was happening this time it was a no-brainer,” McCarthy admitted. He could have ended up joining Celtic before his move from Hamilton to the Premier League. Peter Lawwell submitted a £500k bid back then, Hamilton’s chairman called him back to say it would take £1m but that was apparently too much for the Celtic CEO and McCarthy headed to Wigan. Apologists this week trying to blame that one on the then Celtic manager Tony Mowbray are merely re-writing the history.
But that was then and its a case of better late than never as far as James McCarthy as a Celtic player is concerned. “As soon as I heard about the interest, I wanted to make it happen as soon as possible,” he said.
He’s been around the English Premier League but nevertheless is impressed by Celtics training facilities up at Lennoxtown. “Lennoxtown is an amazing training ground. I’ve been to Celtic Park many times as a supporter, but walking into the Training Centre, being able to put the training kit on, meeting a few of the lads, that’s fantastic.
“Obviously, most of the team were away for the European game, but being at Lennoxtown has been amazing. Again, I just can’t wait to get started.”
📝 𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟! 😁💚
Welcome to #CelticFC, Joe Hart and James McCarthy! 🍀#WelcomeHart 🤝 #WelcomeMcCarthy
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 3, 2021
McCarthy also revealed that he’s had text messaged from both Ange Postecoglou and Callum McGregor that have made him feel welcome and the news that the fans are back as the restrictions are lifted is massive – something the aforementioned and unfortunate Shane Duffy never experienced. “I want to make sure I give everything. I know what it means myself, and growing up supporting Celtic, watching Celtic, I know what I means to the fans.
“The main thing I want to do is do well – for the club, my teammates and the fans. I want to make sure we win games. I know the pressure that comes with that, and we need to make sure we win, week in, week out.
“I played for Hamilton at Celtic Park a couple of times, but to have the chance to do so in the home dressing room, and to have the backing of a full house, the thought alone is unbelievable and I can’t wait to experience it.”
