Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes teenage midfielder James McCarthy is finally ready to play a major part in the second half of the season.
The 19-year-old joined the Latics from Hamilton in the summer but has been held back from the first team by Martinez to allow him a period of adjustment.
But after two substitute appearances, one in the Barclays Premier League and the other in the Carling Cup, the Scot made his first start in the 4-1 FA Cup win over Hull last weekend.
McCarthy marked the occasion with his first Wigan goal and Martinez believes his decision to take his time with the midfielder will pay off.
“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 revealed last season’s Scottish Young Player of the Year had started to become irritiated at his lack of opportunities but he recognised that as a positive sign.
“When you get frustrated it is because you are ready to play,” said the Latics boss. "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.”
If McCarthy can now seriously challenge for a first-team place it may allow Martinez the chance to look for cover for other positions in the transfer window.
He is in desperate need of a striker to ease the burden on Hugo Rodallega as #2million summer signing from Swansea, with Jason Scotland yet to score in the Premier League.
The imminent move of forward Olivier Kapo to Boulogne will give some scope to bolster attacking options further but Martinez has not ruled out further departures, having already sent South Korean Cho Won-Hee back to former club Suwon Samsung Bluewings on a 12-months loan.
“It was a very positive exercise in the FA Cup against Hull when you look at players like Scott Sinclair (on loan from Chelsea), James McCarthy and Antonio Amaya,” said Martinez, who has again been linked with Celtic striker Scott McDonald.
“There are four positions we need to strengthen but that could be strengthening with players we already have in the squad.
“Sometimes you can cover positions with players you have in the squad but by the time this transfer window closes we need to be a stronger squad than we are now for the demands of the Premier League.
“We need that extra competition and there are areas we can improve.”