James McCarthy hopes Wigan Athletic can avoid last-day traumas

by Geraldine Lagard. Published Wed 10 Mar 2010 11:55, Last updated: 2010-03-10

James McCarthy is hoping Wigan Athletic can secure their Premier League safety as soon as possible.

The Latics edged four points clear of the drop zone on Monday with an impressive 1-0 victory over Liverpool.

Young midfielder McCarthy is determined to do all he can to ensure he is still a top-flight performer next term.

"It would be some feat to stay up," the 19-year-old told the Daily Record.

"We want to do that as soon as possible so we can enjoy this even more.

"The gaffer (Roberto Martinez) had us in on Tuesday and told us Bolton on Saturday was an even bigger game for us.

"Liverpool was a bonus but we are playing better and have belief that we can stay up, which would be the highlight of my career."