McCarthy highlights team spirit and hard work as key factors for success this season

James McCarthy is hoping Latics can repeat the fortunes of their opening day last season and come away with all three points against Blackpool on August 14^th.

The 2-0 win against Aston Villa on the opening day of last season got Roberto Martinez's first campaign in charge off to a flyer, and McCarthy knows that although the Seasiders will provide strong opposition, team-togetherness and the right preparation can give Latics the edge;

"Last season we got off to a great start against Aston Villa when a lot of people didn't expect us to come away with anything," said McCarthy.

"But every game in this league is so hard and all you can do is prepare for each one with the right attitude and go in search of three points when the game starts.

"Blackpool's going to be a tough opening game. They're going to be really up for it after a great promotion, but so will we and we'll be going into the game ready to fight for all three points.

"Blackpool was where I made my first start for the club and to be honest I thought it was a poor start to my Wigan Athletic career.

"It came at a time when I was just getting back to fitness and feeling pretty frustrated, and the result just added to that.

"But as a group we're all looking forward to the game and we'll make sure everything is right by then to go and battle for the three points.

"The gaffer's brought in a few players so far and I'm sure there'll be more to follow which will bring more competition to the squad.

"But the key to success is sticking together as a group and working hard for one another both on and off the pitch every day."

Last season was a remarkable one for the 19-year-old who, after a tough start, became an integral part of the team; holding down a place in the starting eleven and showing immense maturity both on and off the pitch.

His targets for this campaign are simple but getting on the score-sheet more often is on the priority list;

He said; "From a personal point of view my main target is to maintain a place in the team, simple as that. And then I want to try and add more goals to my game.

"I only got two last season which frustrated me a little because you're always looking to get on the score-sheet. Hopefully that's something I can do a lot more of this season."

And so after his Summer break the Republic of Ireland international is delighted to be getting a full training programme under his belt, having missed a chunk of last season's preparations;

"I've had a good break over the Summer and have been looking forward to meeting up again with the lads and getting back down to work ahead of the new season.

"Now is the time to just get our heads down, make sure we get ourselves fit and ready in time for the start of the season and kick-on from where we left off last year.

"When I arrived here before the start of the last campaign I picked up an injury which ruled me out for a little while.

"It was frustrating and took me a bit longer to catch-up with the rest of the lads, but this time I can get a full programme under my belt and I'm really happy about that."