Read more about Wigan Athletic.
Latics starlet backed to be a 'big star'
Wigan Athletic, 09:19, January 8, 2010 ,
James McCarthy is being tipped by Wigan boss Roberto Martinez to build on his impressive FA Cup display against Hull City.
The young Scot who joined Latics from Hamilton last summer had only made two substitute appearances for the club this season before Martinez pitched him in from the start against the Tigers in last week's 4-1 third-round victory. McCarthy was on the score sheet in the match and Martinez hopes his careful nurturing of the player will turn him into a quality Premier League player.
"He showed on Saturday that he is ready. We all know James is going to be a big star in world football," said the Spaniard. "He has been working very hard and lately you could see he was ready in training and on Saturday he showed that he was ready to enjoy his football and ready to win games for Wigan."
Martinez added: "Sometimes you get a big move into the Premier League and with the change of environment it is very different and sometimes you lose the focus on your game. It was a big move for him as a young man when he came down from Scotland as it was the first time he had moved away from his only club and that takes time.
"It is important we help the youngsters - and every player that comes to Wigan. James has had the period he needed to settle in and now he is ready to play football and enjoy it.
"When he does that I'm sure the fans will enjoy it too."