No regrets

James McCarthy has insisted that he has no regrets about rejecting the advances of Liverpool as a teenager and is adamant he is pleased how his career has turned out so far.

He’s already gone on to establish himself as a key member of the side and his partnership with Gareth Barry provides the perfect foundation for Martinez’s free flowing attacking football and there are unsurprising rumours that he is set to be offered a new improved contract.

However, McCarthy could have been lining up for the opposition if he had chosen to sign for the Reds in the early stages of his career.

The midfielder revealed that he was handed a trial by Liverpool, but opted to return to his homeland to further develop. Usually quite a majority of the players who turn down such an opportunity live to regret it but this is not the case for McCarthy.

“With Liverpool I went there for a week, had a trial, played a game and was asked to sign, but I was not ready and wanted to stay longer in Scotland. I’ve no regrets at all. I’m happy to be with the blue side now. This club is going in the right direction.”