Wigan Athletic confirm James McCarthy signature

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm that Republic of Ireland Under 21 midfielder James McCarthy has joined the club from Hamilton Academicals.

Having been given permission to speak with the club last Friday after Latics and Hamilton agreed a fee, McCarthy returned to Wigan today to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a five year contract.

The Glasgow born 18 year-old, voted Scottish Young Player of The Year last season, is considered to be one of the hottest young prospects in the UK and Latics boss Roberto Martinez is thrilled to have won the race for his signature.

"There were several clubs chasing James," he said, "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."

Despite his young age, McCarthy has amassed almost 100 league appearances already, scoring 13 goals. He actually made his first team debut whilst still 15, and is the youngest player to score in the club's history, aged 16 and just 55 days.

Martinez said: "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 is now looking forward to teaming up again with his former coach at Hamilton Graeme Jones.