James McCarthy's career at Celtic has taken another significant downturn, culminating in his recent removal from the club's official website.
Once a promising talent coming through the Hamilton Academical youth academy, the former Everton and Wigan Athletic midfielder was signed for Celtic by Ange Postecoglou in 2021 on a bumper four-year contract.
He arrived as a free agent from Crystal Palace in the English Premier League and most observers deemed the acquisition shrewd business.
However, his time with the Hoops has been marred by inactivity and disappointment.
McCarthy’s last appearance for the first team came nearly two years ago, as a second half substitute during a 2-1 win over St Johnstone in October 2022, marking a stark decline from the expectations that surrounded his signing.
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Despite hopes that Brendan Rodgers' return as manager last summer might rejuvenate his playing opportunities, McCarthy has found himself sidelined.
Throughout the 2023/24 season, he has not been included in any senior squad, with his only participation limited to the B team in the Scottish Lowland League.
As the summer transfer window progresses, it appears that Celtic are eager to part ways with McCarthy and cut their loses.
That suggestion has been further highlighted since the club's recent online squad update. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have evolved their website (www.celticfc.com) showcasing new signings like Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, and Paulo Bernardo, while McCarthy - who had previously still been listed despite his first team exile - is absent from the midfield section, signalling an end to a forgettable tenure at Parkhead.
McCarthy's struggles at Celtic raise questions about his future in professional football, aged 33, with rumours circulating that he's already been released.
