Source: Team_Talk
McCarthy keen to get on goal trail
Midfielder James McCarthy is targeting goals this season as he looks to continue his development at Wigan.[LNB] The 19-year-old was held back by manager Roberto Martinez for the first half of the previous campaign after arriving from Hamilton.[LNB]However, he broke into the team in January and never looked back, scoring his first Premier League goal against Wolves and becoming a permanent fixture as he impressed in the closing months.[LNB]Martinez, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, wants to build his side around the likes of McCarthy and the youngster is equally keen to progress.[LNB]One area he wants to improve is his form in front of goal, which was an issue for Wigan in general last season with just 37 goals in 38 matches.[LNB]McCarthy scored in back-to-back matches - initially opening his account in the FA Cup third round against Hull - but failed to find the target after that.[LNB]"I need to add more goals to my game," said the Republic of Ireland international.[LNB]"I was disappointed with myself last season as I only got two goals but it is about learning and practising off the field.[LNB]"Hopefully I can take that into games and it will be another thing I can add to my game, scoring more goals."[LNB]McCarthy arrived at the DW Stadium 12 months ago with a burgeoning reputation and in the time since he has enhanced it further.[LNB]But the youngster will not rest on his laurels with the new season just four days away.[LNB]"I missed nearly all of pre-season last year. I came here and got injured in the first couple of days, which was a bit frustrating, and then I took time to get back," he added.[LNB]"By the time I got back I was trying to get in the team and when I eventually got in the team it was six months later and I took my chance and got to stay in.[LNB]"No disrespect to the SPL but there are a lot of great players down here and I've learned a lot playing against them.[LNB]"But I'm not going to get carried away, I just need to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard.[LNB]"I've got to keep working hard and hopefully I can push for a place in the team this season.[LNB]"It's not going to be easy because there is a lot of competition. Roberto has brought in a few players and I'm sure he wants to add a couple more."[LNB]The competition in midfield is becoming stronger as Wigan last month signed McCarthy's former Hamilton team-mate James McArthur, three years his senior.[LNB]Martinez does not feel he will need to give the 22-year-old as much time to ease his way into the team as he did with McCarthy last season.[LNB]"He is the sort of player who gets the crowd excited because he plays with huge desire and determination," said the Spaniard.[LNB]"He is very composed on the ball but needs a little time to adjust to the type of football we are going to play but he is a great character to have around.[LNB]"I love his attitude. There is a transition between Scottish football and the Premier League but he has a real talent in that position and I hope straightaway he will be available."[LNB]With striker Jason Scotland, who failed to cope with the step up from the Championship last year, attracting interest from the likes of Ipswich the Latics boss is keen to bolster his forward line.[LNB]But overall he is happy with the way his squad now looks, having performed an overhaul since succeeding Steve Bruce last summer.[LNB]"The competition is all over the park now," he said.[LNB]"We are probably a little but thin up front and we need to make sure we sort that out but I am delighted with the players that have come in.[LNB]"We are starting to create something which I feel is really exciting."
