Wigan Athletic new-boy is two-for-the-price-of-one!

Newboy Tom James is two new signings in one, according to Wigan Athletic boss John Sheridan.
Tom JamesTom James
Tom James

The 24-year-old, who joined Latics earlier this month on loan from Hibernian, scored a blinding goal in the 2-1 victory at Portsmouth last weekend.

He’s also helped the side to shore up at the back – but that’s not the only string to his bow, which is why Sheridan has been tracking him for years.

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“Tom has come in to play right-back, but he can also play as a holding midfield player,” Sheridan said.

“And it’s a big advantage when you can bring in a player who can play in two or more positions.

"It’s always handy as a manager, but at the same time probably unfair on the player.

“You get someone like Kal Naismith, who’s a quality player who can play here, there and everywhere.

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“While they help you on a weekly basis, in the long run they probably deserve to be playing where they want to play in their best positions.”

Sheridan admits he’s surprised James wasn’t featuring more regularly in Scotland prior to his move back south of the border.

“I’ve always liked Tom, he's a very good footballer, and I think the players have noticed that in the short time he’s been here,” he added.

“For some reason – and I have no idea why – he wasn’t figuring too much in Scotland.

"But there were clubs in the Championship trying to buy him only a couple of years ago, so he must have something about him."

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