Midfielder delighted to be at club and ready to battle for place in the team

James McArthur has spoken for the first time about his move to Wigan Athletic, delighted to have joined Latics and looking forward to getting to know his new team-mates a lot better over the next week in Austria.

After a frustrating wait for the deal to be finalised the Scottish midfielder is eager to get down to work and earn his place in team, a team and a club that he is delighted to be representing;

"The last few days were tough not knowing what was happening", said McArthur.

"Then all of a sudden everything starting taking place and it became a very exciting time, I'm delighted now to have signed for Wigan Athletic Football Club.

"I've arrived at the right time, just before the team travel out to Austria and it'll be great to go away with the boys and get to know them better.

"Graeme Jones sold the club to me in all honesty, and after meeting the gaffer it was clear he's a man who knows an incredible amount about the game. I'm excited now to be working with both of them.

"I'm sure they'll make sure I work hard and I'll make sure I work hard to become a better player.

"I'll bring more hard work to the team and make sure I give my all in every game. I'll strive to make sure I'm in that team and if I get their I'll work doubly-hard to make sure I stay there."

McArthur revealed that the prospect of teaming-up with James McCarthy was also a big incentive for him joining Latics, after six years at Hamilton Academical;

"It was a great time at Hamilton. I was given my first chance in football and they always believed in me.

"So I thank them immensely for everything they've done in developing me as a player and making me the person I am today.

"James (McCarthy) is a true friend. I've played alongside him at Hamilton for four-years and he's done fantastic down here.

"Hopefully now we'll get the chance to team-up again and do a job here."

So will there be any confusion telling the two apart?

"There was always difficulty telling each other apart for the players. I always get called McCarthy and he still gets called McCarthy too! But I'm sure we'll work a way round that."