James McCarthy was right to turn down Liverpool, says Roberto Martinez
Published 05:00 07/03/10 By Jeremy Butler
Roberto Martinez reckons rejecting a move to Liverpool has put James McCarthy on the fast track to greatness.
The Wigan winger had the world at his feet when he made his debut for Hamilton at 15. Liverpool were one of the game’s giants that came calling.
But he snubbed a glamour move to sign for Martinez’s Wigan outfit in hope of getting more football.
After a lengthy settling-in period, the 19-year-old is now a guaranteed starter for the Latics. And his form has been so good, he made his debut for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday in the defeat by Brazil.
Martinez said: “I have always been a big admirer of James and I followed his career for a long time. When a youngster gets to play at such a young age it makes you sit up and take notice.
“That meant I was delighted when he made that rather strange decision not to go to a top, top club like Liverpool. I think that decision is being proved right now.”
