Wigan set to complete James McArthur signing today

Wigan are expected to complete the signing of Hamilton midfielder James McArthur today.

The clubs yesterday agreed a fee for the 22-year-old and the deal will go through if the player completes a medical.

The move will reunite McArthur with fellow midfielder James McCarthy, who made the same switch from Lanarkshire to the DW Stadium last season.

McArthur has been linked with Wigan for some time and another Scot, defender Gary Caldwell, has welcomed his imminent arrival.

Caldwell, who left Celtic for the Latics in January, said: "For years he has been tipped to come down here but I think he was better staying at Hamilton and getting games and experience.

"He is probably ready to come now and have this challenge.

"Obviously James McCarthy did so well last year - hopefully James McArthur can follow in his footsteps and we don't get too confused with their names!

"It is the right time for him to come down and try to get into a team in the Premier League."

McArthur will join a growing number of Scottish players based in England.

Much has been made north of the border of the increasing exodus but Caldwell does not feel it is necessarily a bad thing for the Scottish game.

The 28-year-old said: "I think it is a good thing we can come down and play at a higher level and week in, week out test ourselves against the best players in the world.

"That can only help the national team I think. There are no easy games here. Up in Scotland you can get games that are quite comfortable, especially playing for the Old Firm.

"Down here every week is a difficult game and you are put under pressure.

"You have to cope with that and I am sure James will be ready for it."

As McArthur arrives at Wigan, defender Titus Bramble is poised to leave.

The Latics have accepted an offer believed to be around £750,000 - rising to £1million - for the former Newcastle player, who was thought to be on Wearside discussing personal terms today.

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Caldwell admits he would be sad to see the 29-year-old leave after they linked up together last season.

"He is one of the best defenders in the league," said Scotland international Caldwell.

"I had a good relationship with him last year and it would be a blow."

Caldwell himself will miss the start of the season after undergoing two hip operations in the summer but feels his recovery is going well.

Caldwell, speaking at a football coaching event in Wigan organised by Scotland official partners Nationwide Building Society, said: "It is going great so far. I've got rid of the crutches.

"Ten weeks on them was pretty hard but now I can look forward to getting fit and strong for the coming season."