Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Latics complete McCarthy coup

21 Jul 2009 - 15:09:30

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Wigan Athletic have completed a major coup by signing Hamilton Academical's highly-rated teenage midfielder James McCarthy on a five-year contract.

The 18-year-old had been a target for several clubs either side of the border, with Wolves also having had a bid accepted for the reigning Scottish Young Player of the Year.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website: "There were several clubs chasing James and 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 then maturity is probably the one word I would use above all others to describe him.

"He has the ability to become a big player in the future 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 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."

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international McCarthy scored 15 goals in 111 appearances for the Accies, helping them return to the SPL and stay there.