Middlesbrough FC

Sorry, it hasn't quite got the same ring to it as 'What The Papers Are Saying'

Setanta Sports

Middlesbrough have enquired about the availability of James McCarthy but the player’s agent insists the teenage talent will not be leaving Hamilton Academical in the January transfer window. McCarthy is still just 18 but his ability has been recognised far and wide in recent seasons with Reading and Liverpool both taking the midfielder on trial and European giants Barcelona also linked with a possible interest.

It seems our scouts have been busy in Scotland recently. Maybe they have got a good deal in one of the hotels up there. Or maybe they just like the highland water!

So, we are looking at another creative midfielder. This lad is only 18-years-old, but is getting good reviews from the SPL. I'm not sure if the criteria for the current scouting missions are correct at the moment for looking at potential targets. We are in danger of falling to the bottom of the league if we're not lucky and to be looking at inexperienced players such as McCarthy, is just plain stupidity. Fair enough if we want him for the future, but we have to think short-term until we are in a comfortable position in the league.