Season › 2014-15 › News McCarthy looking ahead to new season Lyndon Lloyd , 6 August, 16comments | Jump to most recent Midfielder focused on building his Everton career James McCarthy says he feels "part of the family" at Everton and is unfazed by speculation linking him with a move away before the transfer window closes after just one season with the Blues. The Irishman says that although the close season was a welcome break given how many matches he played lasts season, is looking forward to re-establishing his partnership with Gareth Barry and battling for places in midfield with new signing Muhamed Besic and the recovered Darron Gibson this coming season. “It's been a good break," the 23 year-old told the Liverpool Echo. "I've had a long holiday and now I'm back and ready to go. I'm looking forward to getting the season started. “Me and Gaz (Barry) loved playing in the middle of the park last season. He was brilliant to work with and I'm excited he's stayed. He's an experienced head and talks away to you both on and off the pitch. “There's competition there now. We've got Gibbo coming back and the new boy Muhamed looks like a good player. “We'll need that competition with the new season coming and so many games. We'll all have to be on our toes with so many talented boys ready to come in and do a job. But I think we can still develop as a partnership. It's a new season and there's always something different to come.” As for the talk of interest from United and Tottenham Hotspur, McCarthy appears to be quite content where he is after dealing so well with the expectation on his shoulders following his expensive transfer from Wigan Athletic to Goodison last year. "I had the big move and there was a lot of pressure on. But the fans have been brilliant with me since day one. It wasn't easy coming to a big club like this and trying to adapt but at least I knew the style of play. Article continues below video content “The size of the club though meant there was always going to be pressure, but I've settled in and everyone made me feel so welcome. “I'm enjoying life here. I feel part of the family. It's a real family club and it's great to be involved in. It's been a year since I came but it feels a lot longer than that.” Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo Reader Comments (16) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Tony J Williams 1 Posted 06/08/2014 at 15:42:47 Sensible words from a likeable player.Future Captain material James Flynn 2 Posted 06/08/2014 at 15:47:42 Reading his comments about coming to the Club, another reason I consider us not the same, but a year better. Joe O'Brien 3 Posted 06/08/2014 at 15:40:27 I never thought £13M was a lot and now it's proven to be a bargain.We've a very strong midfield, especially with the arrival of Besic and Bryan on his way back. For the first time in ages, we've got a very strong bench. Competition for places besides players knowing that their starting position is guaranteed. A bit of a nightmare for RM to get his selection right, but I've a feeling he is way ahead of us there. Now for a winger please. Mark Andersson 4 Posted 06/08/2014 at 16:10:59 It was nice that he proved that his fee was money well spent. He just needs to chip in with some goals to really push on. Tony Page 5 Posted 06/08/2014 at 17:52:43 Has anyone else heard we are being linked with Celta Vega winger Nolito? He is playing against us tonight, apparently price is round £10 million, he is 27 and scored 14 goals last season. Alan Corken 6 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:08:09 No denial of move here... taken with his comments last week and the latest betting on him going, I would expect he will not be with us at the start of the season. I believe Besic was bought as a replacement, if we get £30m then I reckon it would be good business. Tony Draper 8 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:14:46 Macca was only too keen to join us at the beginning of last season and is clearly very satisfied the way things have worked out and are continuing to progress.No need for us to relinquish any of our players.They are all happy at the club, speak highly of Roberto Martinez and know that there are plenty of challenges this season where we can realistically be "in the mix". Darren Hind 9 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:13:45 I think we will see more of him in an attacking role this season. He's always had the engine to be a great box to box player.Looking for him to really fulfil his potential and start weighing in with a couple of goals. Skys the limit Paul Andrews 10 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:25:22 Good point, Darren,If he could add that to his game he would be an even better player. I think it is a matter of confidence with James, he was great for us last season but there is definitely more in the locker. Ian McDowell 11 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:25:49 Still 1/3 to join Man Utd on Skybet. Will be relieved if he is still here in Sept. Colin Glassar 12 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:36:42 He's going to have a great season with US!!! Wayne Smyth 13 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:34:18 I think he and Besic are the likely pairing for us going forward, but if the club get an offer too good to refuse, I think we've got decent cover.One thing I will say is that I think McCarthy needs to add a bit more to his game, specifically getting forward and more involved in our forward play. Hopefully Besic will turn in another eye-catching display tonight, because I'm hoping that he'll be teaching McCarthy and Barry this season as much as they'll be teaching him. Mike Gwyer 14 Posted 06/08/2014 at 18:43:40 Wayne Smith.Don't understand how you feel that if Everton get a good offer, "that's to good to refuse", then we are all right as we have decent cover in place. Fuck we do.Additionally you also think that McCarthy needs to add "a bit more to his game". Like what? He kept us in so many games last season that I've lost count and for me Man Utd will not be buying any more Everton players who need to up their game. End of. Andrew Hawes 15 Posted 06/08/2014 at 19:02:38 What a refreshing change to hear a player say heÂ’s happy and compliment the club who pays his wages. After seasons of listening to Fellaini and his dad trying to convince all of Goodison that players look on us as a stepping stone. Coleman, Barkley, Lukaku and soon McCarthy are now showing real commitment to Everton not just themselves, which can only take us up another level.Barry, Besic, Gibson and McCarthy has to be one of the strongest defensive midfield units in the League, if not Europe. Ant Dwyer 16 Posted 07/08/2014 at 00:50:08 IÂ’m still worrying that Sky Bet put him odds on to join Man Utd but hopefully thatÂ’s all speculation. HeÂ’s a massive, massive part of our midfield as, without him, we do lack any real pace and energy through the centre. I hope he signs a new deal soon and puts this all to bed. Do one, LVG. Dave Abrahams 17 Posted 07/08/2014 at 15:19:45 The only way he needs to add to his game is vocally. He seems to be a quiet sort of lad; maybe the more he plays for Everton, the more he will assert himself on the rest of the team verbally. What we do know is he is very very good and he will get better and better. 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