Martinez excited by McCarthy potential

29 July 2009 08:10
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is predicting a bright future for youngster James McCarthy. The Spaniard signed the Scottish Young Player of the Year from Hamilton for an initial fee of ¦pound;1.2million - which could rise to ¦pound;3million - last week. "We know the potential James has got. He made his debut at 15 and he has played many, many games for a man of his age and that shows his maturity as a footballer," the Wigan boss told Latics Player. "We are all excited about the prospect of James and the quality he has and the quality he will bring to our club. "He will bring healthy competition. James can play through the middle or the left-hand side. "He has great qualities and covers the ground really well and is quite comfortable in an attacking midfield role." Martinez, preparing for his debut as a top-flight manager, is more than satisfied with the way pre-season has gone after Wigan returned from a training camp, including friendlies, in Austria. "We are becoming a strong outfit and shaping up as we need to," he added. "I was very pleased with the approach of the players. We have worked tactically on many different aspects and that is valuable time for us. "I'm really pleased with where we are. The work of the boys has been sensational."

Source: Eurosport