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James McCarthy (born 12 November 1990 in Glasgow) is a professional footballer player who plays for Premier League side Wigan Athletic.

[edit] Club career

An alumnus of St Margaret Mary's Secondary School in Castlemilk, Glasgow,^[1] McCarthy made his debut against Queen of the South as a substitute on 30 September 2006, becoming the youngest player to play for Hamilton Academical in the 21st century. His full debut came against Airdrie United on 11 November 2006; a day before his 16th birthday. On 6 January 2007, at 16 years and 55 days old, James became the youngest player ever to score in Hamilton Academical's history. He scored in a Scottish Cup defeat against Livingston.

On 17 May 2008, after a season which saw his club promoted to the Scottish Premier League, McCarthy signed a new three-year contract with the club.^[2]

Hamilton accepted bids from Wigan on 16 July 2009.^[3] He completed a move to Wigan on 21 July, believed to be worth £1.2 million rising to £3 million depending on appearances.^[4]

He made his debut for Wigan Athletic on the 22nd August 2009, as a 74th minute substitute in the 5-0 defeat versus Manchester United.

[edit] International career

McCarthy opted to play for the Republic of Ireland due to his family having relations in Annagry, County Donegal. There has been some speculation that he may play for Scotland, his birthplace, but McCarthy re-affirmed his commitment to Ireland.^[5].

McCarthy made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-17's in January 2007 against Italy^[6]. He scored his first goal against Greece when winning his third cap in March of the same year^[7]. He was quickly promoted to the Under-18s and played his first game at that level versus Germany in November 2007.^[8] He scored twice in the return game that same month^[9]. McCarthy played one game for the Under-19s in September 2007 against Portugal.^[10] and was subsequently selected for a number of these squads in 2008.^[11] McCarthy came on as a half time substitute for the Republic of Ireland U-21's in their European Championship Qualifier on 31 March against Turkey. McCarthy made an instant impression, creating opportunities for the lone striker, as well as making many intelligent runs in behind the Turkish defence.

[edit] Career statistics

As of 3 May 2009.

[edit] Honours

Hamilton Academical

• Scottish First Division: 2007-08

Individual

• Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year (2009)
• SPL Young Player of the Month (2)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• James McCarthy career stats at Soccerbase