McCarthy completes Latics move

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

McCarthy is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in British football and new Latics boss Roberto Martinez is pleased to have snapped him up for an undisclosed fee.

"There were several clubs chasing James," said Martinez. "It is fantastic he has chosen Wigan."

He added: "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."

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international McCarthy, who has signed a five-year deal at the JJB Stadium, made his debut for Hamilton aged just 15 and has gone on to make almost 100 league appearances.

Martinez added on wiganlatics.co.uk: "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 joins Jason Scotland, Jordi Gomez and Hendry Thomas as new arrivals at Wigan ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season.