James McCarthy Speaks on His Move to Wigan

Scotland`s Young Player of the Season, James McCarthy has spoken about his move to the Latics and say`s he is absolutely delighted to be joining up with Roberto Martinez and his football philosophy.

Speaking to Scottish newspaper the Daily Record McCarthy told how despite the interest from Celtic and Wolves once he`d spoken to Martinez there was only one decision he could make, he said:"I'm looking forward to my move down south and Wigan are a club I couldn't knock back. Everything about the place, the manager and the way he wants to play football will suit my style.

'Peter Lawwell (Celtic CEO) phoned my agent when my dad was there last week and it's great to know that a club of Celtic's stature is interested in you but it wasn't to be.

'Sometimes it's best to move to the bigger picture and I feel I can go to Wigan and prove I am worth the money they have spent on me. I have the faith in my ability to show I'm able to play at this level.'

McCarthy has worked with Latics assistant boss Graeme Jones before, Jonesy was the assistant at Hamilton when McCarthy first went there as a 15 year old. A deciding factor though in the decision McCarthy made to join the Latics was the promise that if he worked hard he would get his chance in the team, he continued:'It's difficult at first coming down here but I've signed the contract . I've spent the entire weekend just thinking, thinking and thinking and even though I liked Wolves I felt after speaking to Roberto Martinez and Graeme Jones that Wigan was the club for me.

'It's a dream come true for me and even though I'm still taking it all in I'll keep my feet on the ground.

'Now it's about keeping my head down and trying to make sure I get a place in the side. The management team have told me if I work hard then I'll get in the team as that's the reason they've brought me to the club. It was a big selling point to hear that.

'I know I won't walk into the side as it's a huge step up but it's one I am looking forward to. I've grown up watching the superstars of the Premiership and it's amazing to think in about one month's time I'll be lining up against them.

'I need to take the opportunity and it's incredible for this to happen to a boy of my age.'

McCarthy is a very unassuming young man, he is tea-total and family orientated so it will help him settle in Wigan with the promise from his family to pay regular visits, he has also already spent some of his first wage packet, not on a flash car but he`s going to buy a new football strip for two boy`s clubs where his cousins play, McCarthy concluded: 'My two brothers Paul and Bryan, my sister Lisa and my parents Marie and Willie have all promised to come down and visit me so that will be a huge help.

'I've promised me wee cousin Sean Findlay a set of strips for Hampden Boys Club 1998 where he plays as well as my other cousin, Reece Coyle, who plays for Busby Boys Club.'

Seems a nice lad with his feet on the ground, welcome to the Latics James, good to have you on board





Dave Whelan seems pleased with the prospect of McCarthy playing for the Latics, to read what Whelan says click here










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