Years of links, years of signing for other teams, and years of anguish as Celtic failed to sign a boyhood Celt.
But now, it has finally happened – James McCarthy has made the move to Paradise.
The move happened fairly quickly, with all things considered: with strenuous links to Joe Hart over the course of the last week, reporters took their eye off McCarthy’s signing, with talks only being reported in the couple of hours before he signed on there dotted line.
Enjoying an illustrious Premier League career in which he has amassed almost 300 appearances for Wigan, Everton and Crystal Palace, McCarthy moves to Parkhead as he starts to come to the tail-end of his career – but at the age of 30, he still has plenty to offer over the course of his four year contract.
Having been released by Crystal Palace over the summer, and with Scott Brown departing to Aberdeen, it appears the stars were aligned for the Glasgow-born Ireland International to move to Paradise – and he’s done exactly that after Ange Postecoglou contacted him to make the move back home.
And McCarthy is delighted with the transfer; as a massive Celtic fan, he can’t wait to make his family proud and pull on the green and white hoops.
Speaking to Celtic TV, the midfielder couldn’t wait to get started.
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. There has been a lot of speculation throughout the years, but when I knew it was happening this time it was a no-brainer.
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.
It must have been frustrating not to be a part of Celtic’s European win over FK Jablonec on Thursday night; but with one foot into the next round, where the Bhoys will face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, McCarthy will be hoping to make an impact and fire the boys to the group stages.
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.