Said McCarthy: "I signed Freddie in the best of faith and wanted him to do well here. It didn't work out but he went to Coventry with my best wishes and he still has those.
"We had a really good relationship. There was no animosity between us to the day he left and I wish him nothing but the best.
"Sometimes it just turns out that there is a preference of a manager to pick a different player. Provided that is done with respect to the person who has not been picked then it should be fine.
"That was the case with Freddy. He often wanted to chat to me during the season but that was because he wanted to be playing.
"I certainly didn't sign him with the intention of him leaving the club within 12 months. I wanted him to be a success more than anybody.
"It didn't happen but now he is enjoying his football at Coventry and the very best of luck to him.
"Of course we want to beat him on Saturday and I don't want him to score. But I think he is a good footballer - it just didn't happen for him here."