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McCarthy over the moon at Everton move

Midfielder describes Goodison switch as 'a no-brainer'

James McCarthy was thrilled to complete his deadline-beating move to Everton from Wigan Athletic, one which reunites him with manager Roberto Martinez and brings him back to the Premier League with a fresh challenge.

The Irish international was linked with a move to the Blues for most of the summer but it wasn't until after the transfer window had officially closed that his £13m switch from the DW Stadium was ratified.

His was one of three incoming transfers announced on the night, arriving at Finch Farm shortly after Gareth Barry before both put pen to paper on their respective deals.

The 22 year-old described the evening's events as nerve-wracking but said he was delighted to be at Everton.

"Once I knew Everton were interested there was no going back. I wanted to come here and try and establish myself.

"I worked under the manager for four years at Wigan, they were four brilliant years. I loved every minute of that. I know some of the boys who are here so it was a no-brainer to be honest."

McCarthy, whom Martinez originally brought to England from Hamilton Academical as PFA Young Player of the Year for a mere £1.2m, is well-acquainted with fellow Irish international Blues Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy and Darron Gibson and he will wear the no.16 shirt vacated by Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Martinez, meanwhile, says that McCarthy's familiarity with his methods should make his settling-in period fairly straightforward while he adjusts to his new surroundings.

"Obviously when you've been working with a player previously - and with James I was doing that when he was at a very, very young age - you can only be surprised in the manner with which he coped with the situation.

"He is a credit in the way he behaves and the way he performs. All in all, he could potentially be one of the top midfielders in European football."

 

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