Celtic Legend Paddy McCourt Furious After 3–1 Loss to Hearts: Names Six Players Rodgers Must Axe in January

Celtic legend Paddy McCourt has unleashed a furious tirade against his former club following their 3–1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle, a result that has left the Hoops’ season in turmoil and manager Brendan Rodgers under intense pressure.

The loss marks Celtic’s third domestic defeat in five league games and leaves them a worrying nine points behind Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race. For McCourt, the performance was nothing short of unacceptable.

“It’s embarrassing for a club like Celtic”

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, McCourt did not hold back his anger. The former winger, who played for the Glasgow giants between 2008 and 2013, called the display “one of the weakest Celtic performances” he had ever witnessed.

“That was embarrassing,” McCourt snapped.

“I don’t care what anyone says, losing 3–1 to Hearts with that kind of effort and attitude is a disgrace for a club of Celtic’s size. There’s no intensity, no urgency, no pride. Too many of these players think wearing the shirt is enough. It’s not.”

McCourt then went on to name six players he believes Rodgers should offload in the upcoming January transfer window if the team has any hope of recovering.

1. Dane Murray

McCourt began his criticism with young defender Dane Murray, who struggled to cope with Hearts’ physical approach.

“Murray looks out of his depth,” McCourt said.

“He’s a decent lad and has potential, but he’s not ready for this level. Every week it’s a costly mistake or a missed challenge. Celtic can’t be a learning ground for players who aren’t ready.”

2. Liam Scales

Next on McCourt’s list was Liam Scales, whose form has dipped sharply since the start of the campaign.

“Scales doesn’t look like he believes in himself anymore,” McCourt stated.

“He’s hesitant, he’s sloppy, and there’s no aggression in his game. Celtic need defenders who dominate, not ones who get bullied off the ball.”

3. Benjamin Nygren

Swedish winger Benjamin Nygren, one of Rodgers’ summer signings, came in for some of McCourt’s fiercest criticism.

“Nygren has been a massive disappointment,” McCourt fumed.

“He came in with hype, but he’s done nothing. No goals, no creativity, and no work rate. He looks completely lost out there.”

Nygren was substituted after just 45 minutes against Hearts following a poor first-half display.

4. Kieran Tierney

Perhaps the most shocking inclusion on McCourt’s list was Kieran Tierney, whose loan return from Arsenal was expected to spark leadership and stability.

“It hurts to say it because I love Kieran as a player and as a person,” McCourt admitted, “but something’s not right. He looks half-fit, he’s hesitant, and he’s not leading by example. Celtic need warriors right now, not memories of the past.”

5. Sebastian Tounekti

Norwegian forward Sebastian Tounekti was another player who drew McCourt’s ire.

“Tounekti has pace, but that’s about it,” McCourt said.

“No composure, no consistency, and no confidence. He vanishes in big moments. Celtic can’t rely on players who hide when it matters most.”

Tounekti has scored only once all season and was heavily criticized by fans on social media after another quiet performance at Tynecastle.

6. Paddy insisted he will not name one “legendary” player but should be send away

McCourt ended his rant with a pointed message about an unnamed “legendary” player whom he described as the worst performer this season.

“There’s one guy, and everyone knows who I mean, who’s been coasting for months,” McCourt said.

“He’s a Celtic legend, yes, but right now he’s letting the club down. Sometimes, the hardest thing a manager can do is drop a big name, but it’s what needs to happen.”

McCourt refused to name the player directly, but speculation among supporters quickly turned toward Callum McGregor or James Forrest, both of whom have struggled to hit top form in recent weeks.

“Rodgers has to act now”

The former Celtic fan-favourite ended by calling for decisive action from Brendan Rodgers ahead of the January transfer window.

“Rodgers can’t keep protecting these players,” McCourt warned.

“It’s time for a reset. This team needs hunger, passion, and players who will fight for every ball. Celtic should never look second best in Scotland, but right now they’re miles off it.”

As Celtic face mounting pressure from fans and pundits alike, McCourt’s emotional outburst reflects the frustration shared by many supporters who fear the club is slipping backward under Rodgers’ leadership.

The 3–1 defeat to Hearts may have been the breaking point, and unless drastic changes are made, McCourt believes the title race could be over before Christmas.

“This isn’t Celtic,” he concluded. “It’s time for Rodgers and the board to wake up before it’s too late.”