James McCarthy was one of two surprise signings announced on Tuesday this week. Joe Hart was the other, joining from Tottenham while McCarthy moves north of the border after his Crystal Palace contract expired. Pictures of McCarthy in a Celtic shirt are now on Instagram – and Shane Duffy has responded.
McCarthy, 30, joins Celtic – the club he supported as a child – after a two-year stint at Palace came to an end. He struggled to get regular game time at Selhurst Park and like many others, McCarthy saw his contract expire. The likes of Gary Cahill, Andros Townsend and others left Palace this summer.
Hart made his debut on Thursday away in the Czech Republic against Jablonec, in Europa League qualifying. But McCarthy will have to wait for his Celtic bow. However, eventually arriving at Celtic, the Hoops posted pictures of the Irish midfielder on Instagram – along with his family.
What has Duffy said on Instagram as Celtic sign McCarthy?
Landing McCarthy is an excellent bit of business for Celtic. Beforehand, Celtic have been after the ex-Everton and Hamilton star – but have always been priced out of a move. With McCarthy being a free agent, Celtic had their best chance to get the midfielder to Parkhead.
They have taken it. Ange Postecoglou has replaced the loss of Scott Brown’s experience, bite and tactical intelligence in the middle of the park with McCarthy. Duffy, who endured a very tricky loan spell at Celtic last season, has posted a five-word verdict on response to the pictures on Instagram.
