James McCarthy canât wait to get started after dream Celtic move
After turning out for Celticâs Under-17s at Barrowfield, James McCarthy swapped Paradise for Hamiltonâs New Douglas Park in the mid-2000s. Moves to Wigan, Everton and Crystal Palace south of the border followed in the intervening years, before the 30-year-old midfielder completed a âdream moveâ back to Glasgowâs East End this week. While Ange Postecoglou and his squad were preparing for their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg against FK Jablonec in the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland internationalist has spent the last few days training hard at Lennoxtown and now canât wait to meet up with his new team-mates.
Speaking to the official Celtic website, the lifelong Hoops fan said: âItâs a dream come true. Growing up, I was massive Celtic fan and have been since. Throughout the family, itâs a massive thing for each and every one us and I canât wait to get started now. Itâs something you dream of as a kid.
âThere has been a lot of speculation throughout the years, but when I knew it was happening this time it was a no-brainer. As soon as I heard about the interest, I wanted to make it happen as soon as possible.
âLennoxtown is an amazing training ground. Iâve 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, thatâs fantastic.
âObviously, most of the team were away for the European game, but being at Lennoxtown has been amazing. Again, I just canât wait to get started.â
McCarthy said texts from the manager and club captain Callum McGregor have made him feel welcome, as have all the staff at the clubâs training centre. And with the news that Paradise is on the cusp of welcoming fans back to a full-capacity stadium, McCarthy canât wait to hit the ground running.
He added: âI 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 â for the club, my teammates and the fans.
âI 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.
âI 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 canât wait to experience it.â
Celtic TV - First Interview with new Bhoy James McCarthy
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