Wolves are coming to terms with the first major blow of their summer transfer programme after James McCarthy opted for a move to Wigan.

The Molineux club hoped that the long pursuit of the 18-year-old Scottish-based Irish under-21 starlet would see them add the £2m-plus recruit to their “young and hungry” brigade.

But, after talks with both clubs and the weekend spent grappling with the choice, McCarthy opted for Wolves’ Premier League rivals.

Although the club also lost out after a late attempt to hijack Scott Dann’s move to Birmingham, the loss of McCarthy is a bigger disappointment after working so hard to lure him to Molineux.

Wolves believe the presence of Wigan assistant manager Graeme Jones, a former coach at McCarthy’s club Hamilton, was a key factor they could not overcome, as the coveted teenager pondered his first big move from his homeland.

The player said: “It’s difficult at first coming down here but I’ve signed the contract. I’ve spent the entire weekend just thinking, thinking and thinking.

“Even though I liked Wolves, I felt after speaking to Roberto Martinez and Graeme Jones that Wigan was the club for me.

“I’ve grown up watching the superstars of the Premier League and it’s amazing to think in about one month’s time I’ll be lining up against them.

“I need to take the opportunity.”

McCarthy has named two strong starting line-ups for the double-header with Walsall tonight and Port Vale tomorrow.

Goalkeepers Carl Ikeme and Wayne Hennessey, along with winger Elliott Bennett, are the only three seniors on duty for both.

By MARTIN SWAIN