James McCarthy M Celtic b.1990

**Maroon 7** · 09/03/2010, 8:57 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Liverpool must be kicking themselves, if they had acted earlier, they would have had Gerrard and McCarthy playing beside each other, instead of against each other

I believe it was McCarthy's decision himself to go back to Hamilton and get more experience. I know he played in a friendly for Liverpool and even scored a cracker in the game but he probably thought he would be lost in the shuffle at Anfield. Still most young lads would have signed on the dotted line without a moments hesitation when at the club of their favourite player. He showed some maturity in making a decision to stay at Hamilton.

He does remind me of a young Gerrard though. Looks kinda similiar and even has the same body type.

**Colbert Report** · 10/03/2010, 7:47 AM

Originally Posted by Maroon 7

I believe it was McCarthy's decision himself to go back to Hamilton and get more experience. I know he played in a friendly for Liverpool and even scored a cracker in the game but he probably thought he would be lost in the shuffle at Anfield. Still most young lads would have signed on the dotted line without a moments hesitation when at the club of their favourite player. He showed some maturity in making a decision to stay at Hamilton.

He does remind me of a young Gerrard though. Looks kinda similiar and even has the same body type.

I don't believe he ever played for Liverpool in a friendly, but I do remember reading a story about him chipping Reina during a training session whilst on trial.

**desmondoldie** · 10/03/2010, 8:04 AM

Originally Posted by Colbert Report

I don't believe he ever played for Liverpool in a friendly, but I do remember reading a story about him chipping Reina during a training session whilst on trial.

I think he did play i freindly for the youths whilst on trial at the club. Apparantley Gearrard was passing the field at the time and McCarthy scored a cracker and I think Gearrards words where "SIGN HIM UP" But thank god liverpool didn't follow it up, Benitez would manage to kill his raw talent.
Ill try find link

**tetsujin1979** · 10/03/2010, 9:29 AM

AFAIR he did play in a behind closed doors fixture, but it was little more than a training game. Some of the reserve team were involved, but I don't think any of the senior team were.

**KK77** · 10/03/2010, 9:33 AM

Originally Posted by tricky_colour

Who?

Actually I just seen a "slapheads eleven" in some papers website, Stephen Ireland didn't even make the bench!!
. .

Yeah exactly who. Done nothing for City this season.

**tetsujin1979** · 10/03/2010, 9:41 AM

He's been injured quite a bit since December. I did wonder if all the extra weights and kick boxing training he did over the summer has had a negative effect on his conditioning?

**KK77** · 10/03/2010, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

He's been injured quite a bit since December. I did wonder if all the extra weights and kick boxing training he did over the summer has had a negative effect on his conditioning?

Yeah true. Should have concentrated on getting his brain conditioned! Going off topic now sorry.

**geysir** · 10/03/2010, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

AFAIR he did play in a behind closed doors fixture, but it was little more than a training game. Some of the reserve team were involved, but I don't think any of the senior team were.

This article suggests James turned down a move to Liverpool and "Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt were playing".
Turning down Liverpool was the best move of my career

**seanfhear** · 10/03/2010, 6:24 PM

Originally Posted by desmondoldie

I think he did play i freindly for the youths whilst on trial at the club. Apparantley Gearrard was passing the field at the time and McCarthy scored a cracker and I think Gearrards words where "SIGN HIM UP" But thank god liverpool didn't follow it up, Benitez would manage to kill his raw talent.
Ill try find link

Keep Benitez away from Irish players please !. Actually keep Benitez away from all footballers full stop.

**SkStu** · 11/03/2010, 1:07 AM

Originally Posted by seanfhear

Actually keep Benitez away from all footballers full stop.

except the ones that play for Liverpool please!

**tricky_colour** · 16/03/2010, 7:23 PM

He's just scored an own goal, it didn't sound too clever (I didnt see it), but he won the free kick which got the equaliser.
[edit]

Seemed to try and clear it over his head or something but he miss-kicked it and it ended up looping into the net.

**DeLorean** · 18/03/2010, 1:26 PM

It was bad own goal alright but he responded well. Like you say he won the free straight after and was heavily involved in anything Wigan produced for the rest of the half. Bramble was very good with him after the goal, arm around him telling him to forget about it. Scharner, who was a sub, went straight over to him at the half time whistle as well, again walking him off the pitch with the arm around him offering words of encouragement. In a way I thought this was nearly bringing too much attention to it but I'm sure he meant well. He seemed to have a quite enough second half, judging from the highlights and was replaced by Scharner on 71 minutes.

**tricky_colour** · 18/03/2010, 5:37 PM

Yea it was unfortunate, he just tried to hook it out but it caught the wrong side of his foot.
Just bad luck really those things can happen when you are close to the goal.
Not doubt the will be more careful in future!!

**Serb** · 19/03/2010, 11:24 AM

I wouldn't worry too much about an own goal. Richard Dunne has scored enough of them and is still top class

**ofjames** · 21/03/2010, 2:55 PM

tabloid rumour linking james to arsenal

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/spor...-McCARTHY.html

**tricky_colour** · 21/03/2010, 3:17 PM

I'm not sure if Wenger taking an interest in him is a good thing or not.

**Colbert Report** · 21/03/2010, 3:55 PM

how could it possibly be a bad thing?

**SkStu** · 21/03/2010, 4:02 PM

(obviously a rumour) but it would unquestionably be a good thing. Sort of player Arsenal need actually (young and talented holding midfielder)

**Brendan 82** · 21/03/2010, 4:42 PM

I think he is progressing well at Wigan. The manager rates him, looks like they will stay up, and he plays regularly; I don't see any good reason to leave.

**SkStu** · 21/03/2010, 4:49 PM

dont get me wrong i have no problem with him staying at Wigan, i just dont see how a move to Wenger's Arsenal (if Wigan were selling) would be a bad move!!