James McCarthy can beat bigots by using them as inspiration, says Neil Lennon

Nov 16 2008 By Mark Guidi

NEIL LENNON last night gave his support to under-fire James McCarthy and urged the Hamilton wonderkid to get back at the bigots by using their taunts as inspiration.

McCarthy has been hounded by opposing supporters during most games this season because of his decision to play for the Republic of Ireland instead of Scotland.

MailSport revealed last month that Scotland boss George Burley made a personal plea to the midfield star to represent the country of his birth.

But McCarthy, 18, refused to change his mind which outraged some fans and he has been targeted ever since.

Lennon (right) was also public enemy No 1 of opposition fans during his seven years as a Celtic star, something he felt was down to him being a Catholic playing for Northern Ireland.

The Hoops coach has sympathy for McCarthy and hailed his strength of character in the face of shameful treatment.

As he prepared to take his side to New Douglas Park for today's SPL clash, Lennon told MailSport: "It can't be nice for the lad.

"I can understand Scotland fans being disappointed such a talent has chosen to play for Republic of Ireland but he's made a decision and people should respect that.

"For him to be getting booed is wrong and people should take a look at themselves. This a teenage footballer we're talking about.

"He is not a thug or a bad person.

"It's not because he is a bad footballer because he has lots of talent. He deserves better.

"But it is trendy to boo players and it seems to be going on a lot. Hopefully it won't last too long.

"Mind you, I wondered what was going on when I heard the Motherwell fans target James.

"Jim O'Brien plays for Motherwell and has made the same decision by choosing Ireland ahead of Scotland.

"But James should thrive on this treatment and use it to his advantage. That's what I used to do.

"It says a lot for him that he has continued to play good football even though it hasn't been pleasant for him."

McCarthy trained with Celtic two years ago when he first burst on to the scene and impressed Lennon during his week-long stint at Parkhead.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Reading are also admirers of the player, rated at around s 1million by Accies.

Lennon applauded Hamilton's decision not to cash in and said: "James has a chance to go all the way. He has good movement and lovely close control.

"Hamilton have given him a platform - as they have with a few kids - and deserve praise for that.

"Some clubs may have sold to the first bidder but that's not been the case with James.

"The experience he'll have gained from winning the First Division and now playing in the SPL will stand him in good stead.

"If he had moved to a bigger club he might only have had a handful of first-team games.

"I moved to Crewe from Manchester City and had played more than 100 first-team matches by the time I was 21 or 22.

"That helped me go on to have the career I enjoyed with Celtic.

"James will eventually move to a big club but he should enjoy his football and ignore the negativity."