James McCarthy set to leave Celtic as Brendan Rodgers admits ‘real shame’ over midfielder’s exit
BRENDAN RODGERS says James McCarthy is set to leave Celtic.
The midfielder signed a four-year deal after leaving Crystal Palace in 2021.
But injuries and the queue growing in front of him saw the ex-Everton and Hamilton Accies ace, 32, make just six starts for the Parkhead side.
Rodgers said: “It’s a real shame for James, because growing up he was obviously a Celtic supporter.
“I saw him a lot in the Premier League and he was a fantastic talent. He’s a great guy but sadly a few injuries and niggles have curtailed his time here so he will be looking to move on.”
There have also been suggestions Rodgers might be in the market for a goalie more adept with the ball at his feet than Joe Hart, 36, who’s out of contract at the end of the season.
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Ahead of today’s Viaplay Cup clash at Kilmarnock, Rodgers said: “I’ve had a couple of good chats with Joe, who has done fantastic.
“The players are still adapting — all of them — to what I’m asking them to do and that’s going to take a wee bit of time.
“There is absolutely no question about his personality. He’s a great guy, very humble. He’s a brilliant shot-stopper, a big presence, a great communicator.
“There are aspects of his game he’s tried to develop with his feet and accuracy of passing. Does he have a chance of staying beyond the end of the season? Yeah — but there are family matters to consider too.”
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Meanwhile, Celtic are weighing up a move for Danish Mathias Kvistgaarden.
SunSport understands the Hoops have been keeping tabs on the Brondby forward as Rodgers looks to add to his attacking options.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page