Source: Daily_Mail
Dream maker: My old coach Jones sold me on Wigan, says McCarthy
James McCarthy described his £1.2million move to the English Premier League as a dream come true.
The 18-year-old ended months of speculation by leaving Hamilton to sign a five-year deal with Wigan Athletic following a medical.
Celtic, Wolves and Spurs were also in the running, while an unnamed Serie A club also declared a late interest.
The presence of former Hamilton coach Graeme Jones as assistant manager to Roberto Martinez swung the decision Wigan's way, however, with the fee likely to double following add-ons.
'For a Premier League club to come after you is a dream come true,' said McCarthy.
'I went down to Wolves and had a look about. It was a great place and they treated me well. But because I know Graeme well, and I think Wigan are a great club, I just wanted to come here.
'Speaking to the manager and Graeme, I think the way they play will suit my style. Roberto has told me he wants to work on my game. I'll get my head down, keep my feet on the ground and try to get a regular place in the team.
'Coming to the Premier League is a massive challenge for me and I know it won't be easy.
'It's a step up in class, playing against some great teams, but it's something I'm reallylooking forward to.'
Wigan boss Martinez was delighted with the capture and sees great potential in aplayer ignored by the SFA prior to being asked to play for the Republic of Ireland.
'There were several clubs chasing James,' said the Spaniard. 'It is fantastic he has chosen Wigan.
'He had a very difficult decision to make and, fair play to him, he took his time to weigh up all the options, take advice and make his mind up.
'That shows a huge amount of maturity for a boy of his age but then maturity isprobably the one word I would use above all others to describe him.
'He has the ability to become a big player and it is great to have him on board.
'He's quick, very bright on the ball, can see a pass and I believe he can have a greatcareer in football.
'Now it's up to us to manage those expectations carefully and nurture a prodigious talent over the coming months and years.'
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan last night promised to take extra special care of last season's SPFA Young Player of the Year, who made his debut for Accies when hewas just 15, and predicted he will have a big future in England's top flight.
He said: 'I've met him and his family and they all trust us at Wigan because they know we'll look after him.
'We're delighted to have him. Too many clubs have been after James for him not to bea quality player.
'There were a few other clubs interested in James. But he likes Wigan, he likes our coach Roberto Martinez, he likes the set-up here and he likes how friendly everyone has been to him.
'We are delighted he has so much confidence in us. He obviously believes we are a club that promote our youngsters and give them a chance. Everything is going just fine and it is one happy club at the moment.'
