McCarthy hits back at Harper comments

Anthony Smith • Published 1 Sep 2009 09:39 Comments 1 Comment

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JAMES Harper may have a talked his way out of a move to Wolves after revealing his frustrations with the Premier League club.

The 28-year-old midfielder was on the verge of becoming the third Reading players to join Wolves this summer after Kevin Doyle and Marcus Hahnemann.

A £2 million fee was agreed between the clubs but Wolves boss Mick McCarthy raised doubts about Harper's fitness following a medical.

And it was Harper's reaction which has now angered McCarthy and the chances of the deal being resurrected before today's 5pm deadline look extremely slim.

Wolves subsequently strengthened their midfield yesterday by signing Ecuadorian World Cup star Segundo Castillo.

McCarthy said: "It's right what James Harper has said. I did think there would be an issue over his fitness, I did go and watch him play after that - and he played very well.

"But if I am going to make a mistake, I'd rather make it at this stage than when we have taken him on contract and he is not available to us. Such is life in the big city."

And he stressed: "If the lad wants to prove me wrong, good luck to him. I've no problem with that. Will I re-visit it? Put it like this - there's a darn sight less chance now that he has gone public over what I consider to be private and confidential discussions.

"You should do your talking on the pitch and not through the newspapers."

Harper is yet to start a Championship game for Reading this season and he was left out of the squad that won 3-1 at Barnsley on Saturday, fuelling speculation of a move.

But the former Arsenal trainee is clearly unhappy McCarthy doubted his fitness.

"I respect his decision but I don't agree with it," said Harper. "I was just recovering from a groin injury and when Mick looked at the scans he told me I wouldn't be ready. I think he is wrong.

"Since then he has been to the Madejski Stadium to watch me play and I hope my performance demonstrated that I can do a job.

"Don't get me wrong. I am not desperate to leave Reading, but they have now put on record that they are willing to let me go.

"I am happy to be here among a great set of lads, but at the back of my mind is the fact that Reading accepted a fee and told me I can go. It's not a nice feeling when you think they don't want you here. Everyone wants to feel wanted."

And he added: "At the moment I just don't have a clue what is happening. It seems that Reading have said they are willing for me to leave but Wolves have said I am not fit enough.

"I have no idea whether any other club will be interested in talking to me before the deadline. What I do know is that I just want to play football."

Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior insists he spoken of his desire to stay at Reading and fight for promotion despite rumours linking him with Hull City.

The 25-year-old full-back argued: "I think there's always going to be rumours about Reading players.

"I don't want to go anywhere and have no interested in going anywhere.

"Maybe it shows I'm doing a half-decent job here, but I've got no interest in moving.

"I'm still young and I want to be in the Premier League but I want to be in the Premier League with Reading."

Marek Matejovsky could return to the Czech Republic following linked with Sparta Prague.

Striker Nicholas Bignall, 19, has joined Stockport County on loan until January.

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Megs
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Sep 1, 12:50
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Its probably time Madejski went out on loan.. with a chance of a permanent move..somewhere north of Watford preferably ???

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