Child's play for Wigan Athletic starlet

Paul Cook has spoken of the extra hurdles young Wigan Athletic defender James Carragher has had to overcome following in the footsteps of a football hero.

By Paul Kendrick

Published 30th Apr 2020, 16:39 BST

Updated 30th Apr 2020, 16:40 BST

James Carragher in action during the FA Youth Cup tie against Manchester United

The 17-year-old son of former Liverpool and England defender Jamie has continued to impress at junior level this season, helping the Under-18s reach the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup before being edged out by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

And Cook acknowledges the challenge Carragher jnr has faced given his dad’s achievements in the game.

“He’s doing great,” Cook told Sky Sports News.

“For a lad to have a dad who enjoyed an illustrious career, it can be so, so difficult.

“It really can, because all anyone wants to do is tell you about your dad.

“But he’s started off really, really well...he’s a very bright young lad, he’s a lovely boy off the pitch.

“And he’s got a lot of qualities on the pitch that will hopefully see him carrying on and having a good career in his own right.”