Celtic close in on Irish starlet McCarthy

HAMILTON were last night fighting to keep hold of star midfielder James McCarthy after Celtic made their move for the teenager. Accies boss Billy Reid confirmed the Lanarkshire club had received a bid from the Scottish champions, which was set to be rejected.

But agent Willie McKay claims 18-year-old Republic of Ireland starlet McCarthy has his heart set on a move to Parkhead and as long as Celtic meet Hamilton’s valuation, it looks likely he will leave New Douglas Park this summer.

Reid refused to divulge the amount of the offer for McCarthy, which is the second bid for the player in just over a week after Portsmouth saw an approach rejected.