Club confirm signing of exciting Scotland Under 21 midfielder James McArthur

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Scotland Under 21 midfielder James McArthur from Scottish side Hamilton Academical, for an undisclosed fee

The 22 year old was in Wigan today after the clubs agreed terms, and he has put pen to paper on a four year contract at the DW Stadium, where of course he teams up with his former Accies team-mate James McCarthy.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez was delighted with his new acquisition.

"James is a really exciting prospect," he said, "and we are all delighted that he is chosen to join Wigan Athletic. We are building a squad here at the DW and I see James as being another real quality addition who will add great competition in the midfield areas.

"He is young, hungry, desperate to play for us in the Premier League and I believe he has all the attributes you need to be a success at this level. We want James to feel at home here, enjoy his football and progress his career as he helps with his daily standards, to make Wigan Athletic a stronger football team.

"We have all seen how well James McCarthy adapted to life at Wigan and James McArthur has the potential to be just as impressive.

"James has played a huge amount of games for a player of his age and his desire and winning mentality will be a great asset for our squad."

Since breaking through the ranks at Hamilton in 2005 McArthur has developed into one of Scotland's most exciting young midfielders, and after 168 league appearances for the SPL side scored 10 goals.

Latics defender and Scotland international captain Gary Caldwell is also pleased to be welcoming his compatriot to Wigan.

"I have played against him a few times for Celtic and he's a real competitor, he's got a never say day attitude and is full of energy and aggression in the middle of the park. He's a fantastic young footballer and I'm sure he'll fit in really well here."