James McCarthy admits he's always wanted to play for Celtic as he reminisced over derby day trips to Parkhead as a kid.
The Crystal Palace midfielder started his career at Hamilton Accies but followed the Hoops when he wasn't on the pitch.
McCarthy would accompany his brothers to titanic clashes against Rangers and he's never forgotten the thrill of the red-hot atmosphere.
And the 28-year-old insists it's something he'd to sample in his career.
“Early football for me was always playing as a kid," McCarthy told Palace's match day programme.
"I’ve always been a Celtic fan; all my family are Celtic fans.
"From when I was born, I’ve had the Celtic strips. Obviously as a kid, you’re always watching. We’d go and watch the games. My brothers used to take me.
“I went to quite a lot of them (games against Rangers). I was younger, maybe eight or nine.
"I’d always be at the game. It’s an amazing atmosphere, an incredible atmosphere and one that you really enjoy.
“You always find you want to play in something like that. We’ve got good fans here (at Palace) and the noise at home is very good.
"It’s important and the fans travel well for away days.”
