McCarthy made a big impression in his first Linnets stint, the player's influence reaching well beyond his 5 goals in 15 games.

There was great disappointment, therefore, when the experienced former Vanarama National League player stepped back up to the NPL Premier with Warrington in December 2018.

McCarthy first arrived at Linnets in September 2018, having been a regular at FC United of Manchester in National League North the previous season - scoring 9 goals in 42 appearances for the Red Rebels.

Having begun his career at Prescot Cables and Skelmersdale United, McCarthy was signed by Southport where he played in the top division of the National League.

While at the Sandgrounders, he spent time on loan at AFC Telford United before joining the Shropshire club on a permanent deal in September 2016.

After a being loaned to Warrington early in 2017, he was allowed to leave by Telford at the end of 2016/17 and move to FC United in July 2017.

He is now re-united on the field at Linnets with his brother Ronnie.