Spanish eyes focus on Accies teenage sensation as La Liga tempts McCarthy

Oct 26 2006

ACCIES teenager James McCarthy has been offered a trial by one of Spain’s top teams.

The 15-year-old midfielder has an invitation to go over to La Liga giants Deportivo La Coruna after he turns 16 years of age on November 16.

Barcelona and Valencia are also expected to make invitations.

James would travel to Spain for a week’s trial, which could lead to a dream move.

McCarthy, who made his competitive debut for Hamilton last month, was spotted by Madrid-based scout Juan Miguel Saavedra.

Saavedra, who has connections to Barcelona and Valencia as well as Deportivo, said: “James McCarthy has a great future, from what I’ve heard.

“I know other clubs in England have been watching, so I would like to get in first.

“In Spain if you’re good enough you’re old enough, so chances are there, and James is a complete footballer.”

But Hamilton vice-chairman Les Gray has warned McCarthy to keep his feet on the ground.

He pointed out that James is a Hamilton player until an agreement is struck that suits all parties.

Gray said: “There has been a lot of interest in James over the last month particularly since he’s got into the first-team squad.

“My view is that we would want to make sure the boy is protected, and that he’s not carried away by all of this.

“There’s a wee bit of speculation, talk of fees, compensation and so on.

“All we will say is that James has agreed a new three-year deal — as far as we are concerned he is a Hamilton Accies player.

“If he does go to any club for a week, it will be with our express permission, after speaking to the parents, dealing with manager Billy Reid and making sure that everybody is happy with it.

“The most important thing for James is that he gets a chance to develop and play football.

“It’s very flattering that scouts from clubs like Barcelona, Deportivo and English outfits are interested in him.

“But the most important thing is that James gets a chance to develop and play football.”

Manager Billy Reid said: “Clubs showing interest in young James and other players in our youth development shows we’re doing something right.

“First and foremost they are all Hamilton Accies players and if other people are coming to watch them, then good for this club.”

McCarthy’s advisor, George Gray of Braveheart Promotions, insisted this is a realistic chance for the youngster.

He said: “There will be compensation claims if any other club wants to take James, and that would be down to the chairman Ronnie MacDonald and the directors to come up with a price.

“At the moment, clubs only want to take him on trial, but they’ll need to put up proper money if they want to buy the boy.

“It would be a great experience as 30 years ago, travelling to London was like going to the other end of the world, but nowadays big clubs have kids from all over.”