Having rebuffed a number of potential suitors across Europe over the past 12 months, Hamilton Academical finally cashed in on their Ireland Under-21 international James McCarthy earlier today. The highly rated 18-year-old has joined Wigan after agreeing a five-year deal with the Premier League club.

Hamilton had accepted a bids from both Wigan and Wolves with the player himself opting to move to the JJB Stadium. The fee is believed to be in the region of €1.8 million, rising to a potential €3 million depending on appearances.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez watched McCarthy, the subject of a failed bid by Celtic in May and Burnley earlier this month, in action several times last season during his role as Swansea manager.

And the Spaniard is looking forward to a player he describes as a “prodigious talent”.

"There were several clubs chasing James," Martinez said, "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."

The Glasgow-born player - who made his debut aged 15 - played more than 100 times for the Lanarkshire club and scored six goals in his debut season in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

"He's quick, very bright on the ball, can see a pass and I believe he can have a great career in football,” added Martinez. “Now it's up to us to manage those expectations carefully and nurture a really prodigious talent over the coming months and years."

McCarthy, who will travel to Austria to join up with his new team mates, paid tribute to his former club ahead of the move.

“I had an absolutely brilliant time at Accies,” he said. "The club have been tremendous with me. I made so many good friends and I wish everyone at Accies all the very best.”