Football story by sport.co.uk, Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:35:42 GMT



Wigan Athletic have completed a major coup by signing Hamilton Academical's highly-rated teenage midfielder James McCarthy on a five-year contract.The 18-year-old had been a target for several clubs either side of the border, with Wolves also having had a bid accepted for the reigning Scottish Young Player of the Year.



Latics manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website: "There were several clubs chasing James 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.



"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."



Republic of Ireland Under-21 international McCarthy scored 15 goals in 111 appearances for the Accies, helping them return to the SPL and stay there.