Gary Caldwell says former Wigan teammate and Celtic outcast James McCarthy could be an astute piece of business for any Premiership team this summer.
The midfielder is said to be considering his options at Parkhead after just six starts following his move from Crystal Palace last summer. He penned a four-year deal but that looks likely to end early with alternative clubs in England believed to be potential new chances for McCarthy. Caldwell played with him while he was at Wigan and the former Celtic centre-back thinks he won't be out of favour for long.
He told the Scottish Sun: "Any Premiership team in Scotland would be keen on taking him on as well as plenty of Championship clubs down south. If he’s still got the hunger you need to train and play every week then I believe he’s got plenty to offer yet. I’m sure there will be a lot of clubs who try to sign him if he becomes available.
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"Whatever happens, he was part of the squad that won the league and one of the cups. Ultimately every player wants to play more than a handful of games every season.
"So I’m sure McCarthy will be weighing everything up. He’s at the club he supported as a boy but it’s up to him to work out what his priority is now.
“I think he’ll understand at 31 that he’s not going to be that same dynamic player. But the experience he’s gained over the years in England means he can still play at a high level for a number of years yet."
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