Ange Postecoglou was not behind the transfer of James McCarthy to Celtic, according to a report.

The Athletic claim neither the Australian manager nor the club's scouting team had "meaningful input into signing McCarthy this summer".

The report also claims the Republic of Ireland international midfielder has struggled with the intensity of training under his new manager.

McCarthy was signed on a four year deal in the summer and is contracted until 2025.

He has suffered with injury in recent years but has been a solid player at Premier League level for a decade with Everton and Crystal Palace.

The 30-year-old struggled alongside most of his teammates in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Livingston in what was Postecoglou's side's third away defeat of the season after just six games.

Celtic currently sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership despite some impressive attacking displays at home.