James McCarthy had to watch on as Celtic beat FK Jablonec 3-0, completing a 7-2 aggregate win over the Czech Republic side. The midfielder was not registered for the game and as a result, could not make his Celtic debut. However, tomorrow’s game against Hearts represents an opportunity for the 30-year-old to make his first appearance in the Green and White Hoops.
The manager may well start as close to the same team as he did for the games against Dundee and Jablonec, with the exception of Abada for Forrest on Thursday night. Ange will want some consistency and rhythm in his players ahead of the upcoming games against Alkmaar (x2), St Mirren and Rangers; however, he will know that he needs to spread the workload and use his squad depth.
The midfield of Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull dominated, suggesting that McCarthy might have to wait to get his first involvement in a Celtic shirt. However, the manager will know that in order to maximise the output from his players, he will need to rotate well and make sure that he gets the most out of his squad.
The games are coming thick and fast but the manager will want to be able to call upon his squad across the course of the campaign and Sunday could be the perfect time to offer some players game time and bed McCarthy in. McCarthy will come in as a holding midfielder, offering McGregor a partner in certain games but also an alternative to give the Celtic captain a rest from time to time.
McCarthy has been spotted at Paradise watching Celtic over the years and now he will have a dream come true by pulling on the Hoops and hopefully helping Postecoglou’s side challenge for silverware. They can take the first step tomorrow with a win over Hearts, exacting revenge for the opening day defeat at Tynecastle.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder has played with Wigan Athletic, Everton and Crystal Palace since leaving Accies but Ange’s new No.16 could make his debut at a full Celtic Park, fulfilling a boyhood dream for McCarthy.
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