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McCarthy celebrates a goal with Wigan team-mate Ben Watson. Dave Thompson/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Staying Put

McCarthy commits his future to Wigan

Republic of Ireland youngster signs new five-year deal with the Latics.

WIGAN BOSS ROBERTO MARTINEZ issued a hands-off warning to James McCarthy’s suitors this morning, tying the Republic of Ireland starlet to a new five-year deal at the DW Stadium.

The 20-year-old midfielder was linked with high-profile moves to both Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, but has now agreed a contract extension which will see him remain with the Latics until the summer of 2016.

McCarthy, who has scored five times since joining Wigan from Hamilton Academical in 2009, has become an important part of Martinez’s set-up as he seeks to preserve Wigan’s Premier League status.

“James is a young man with a very big future in the game,” Martinez said this morning, “and it speaks volumes that he has chosen Wigan to carry on his football education.”

“We are proud to have him as a Wigan Athletic player. ”

A delighted McCarthy paid tribute to both the club and to Martinez for the opportunities which they have given him to date.

“I owe a big debt of loyalty to the club and the gaffer for giving me the chance to prove myself in the Premier League,” he said. “I am really pleased to be able to sign this deal.”

“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at the club, and also to the Wigan fans, who have been brilliant to me.

All I want now is to focus on my football, and to do everything I can to help the club keep improving.

Wigan, who have drawn both of their opening Premier League games, also announced new deals for defender Emerson Boyce and midfielder Ben Watson this morning, with Martinez promising that there would be more to follow in the near future.

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