The 35-year-old struggled with injury problems last season, but revealed last week that he wanted to continue playing for another season.
McCarthy said: “Jody is proven at the top level. He has proved that over the last few games of the season.
“His experience was vital to us at the end of the season. He has been as good as anybody.
“He is one that everyone looks up to with the way he conducts himself.
“He’s brilliant. He shows such great professionalism. He is a humble guy who just comes in and does his work. He is fantastic.”
