Kuqi, who will be out of contract at Selhurst Park in the summer, did his chances of securing a new deal no harm with a fine display and the only goal in Saturday's 1-0 win over Derby.
"Shefki's a handful and he's great to have in your team," said McCarthy.
"As a defender you don't know what's coming next.
"He's a big lad and he never gives his centre-halves a rest. I'm sure the Derby defenders will tell you it's tough to keep him quiet."
Source: Team_Talk