James McCarthy excited by new challenge

James McCarthy: No pressure. Picture: PA

The 22-year-old midfielder joined his international team-mates just hours after completing a deadline-day switch from Wigan to Goodison Park, which made him the most expensive Scottish-born footballer ever.

However, McCarthy is adamant neither the fee nor his place in Scotland’s football history will weigh heavily on him.

He said: “No, not at all. It’s a new challenge. I have had a few people on my case about it, and it’s one I’m going to need to take in my stride. Hopefully, I can make the step up to a big club at Everton, and it’s one I’m looking forward to.

“Players go for all different kinds of money these days. I’m just delighted to be an Everton player and back in the Premier League. It’s a real excitement.”

The chance to work under Toffees manager Roberto Martinez once again – the pair spent four years together at Wigan – proved attractive, but McCarthy has been told to expect no favours. He said: “It’s brilliant. I have worked under him for four years and he’s a great manager. It’s not going to be easy. I need to work hard – I have been told by his staff I have to get my head down on and off the pitch, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

McCarthy’s mood might have been very different had he suffered a similar fate to Ireland team-mate and West Brom striker Shane Long who, after Hull attempted to push through a late deal for him, flew back across the Irish Sea with his situation unchanged, and the midfielder admitted he at times feared he might be doing the same as his transfer – which was all tied in with Marouane Fellaini’s move from Everton for Manchester United – went down to the wire.

Asked if he thought it might not go through, he said: “At times during the day. My agent was sitting with me and it was frustrating for both of us.It took until 10.50pm when we got confirmation that it was going to happen. It was just a relief.”