Source: Daily_Mail
Wigan beat Wolves to £1.4m signing of Hamilton starlet James McCarthy
Hamilton have confirmed that 18-year-old midfielder James McCarthy will join Wigan Athletic.
The Accies had accepted bids of about £1.4million from both Wiganand Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international hasaccepted a five-year deal with the Latics. Tottenham Hotspur were also reported to have shown late interest.
'There were several clubs chasing James,' said Wigan boss Roberto Martinez. '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 his options, take advice and make his mind up.
'That shows a huge amount of maturity for a boy of his age, but thenmaturity is probably the one word I would use above all others todescribe him. He has the ability to become a big player in the futureand 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 great career in football. Now it's up to us to manage those expectations carefully and nurture a really prodigious talent over the coming months and years.'
McCarthy said: 'I had an absolutely brilliant time at Accies. The club have been tremendous with me. I made so many good friends and I wish everyone at Accies all the very best.'
The teenager will join his new team-mates at their training camp in Austria after his contract is signed.
The Glasgow-born player - who made his debut aged 15 - played more than 100 times for the Lanarkshire club and scored six goals in his debut season in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
