John McCartney (1870 – c. 1942) was a Scottish footballer who played at half-back for Liverpool.

John McCartney played for Newmilns, St Mirren and New Brighton Tower.

McCartney was signed by John McKenna for the Reds in 1892, 1 of the 13 Scottish footballers that Liverpool brought in at the beginning of the club's history.

McCartney went on to make 167 appearances for Liverpool scoring 6 times.

He played 2 more seasons at Anfield missing just 3 matches, he left the club in 1898.