English Premier League side Wigan Athletic have snapped up talented 18-year old midfielder James McCarthy from Hamilton Academicals on a five-year contract

McCarthy, who declared for the Republic of Ireland through his late Donegal-born grandfather in January 2007, made his first-team debut at the age of 15 and went on to clock up over 100 appearances for the Accies.

The midfielder has represented Ireland at U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels. His latest cap came for the Under-21s against Turkey in a UEFA Championship qualifier in Cork last March.

Now the Premier League beckons for the teenager, voted Scottish Young Player of the Year last season.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told the club's website he was delighted to sign one of the brightest young prospects around.

He said: "There were several club 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 weight up his options, take advice and make up his mind.

"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."