James Carragher bags first professional goal!

It’s fair to say that Wigan youngster James Carragher was the main man to watch in Wigan’s 2-0 victory over Inigo Calderon’s Bristol.

James, son of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, bagged his first goal for Wigan on Saturday afternoon, after connecting his head to a luscious cross from Joseph Hungbo to open the scoring. Dad, Jamie was among the spectators at the Brick Community Stadium and I’m sure he was more than proud of his son, making another milestone adding to what i’m sure we can all agree is going to be a very good career.

James joined the Wigan academy in the summer of 2017, aged 14, having been released by Liverpool, who’s academy he joined in 2011 aged only 9! Carragher impressed for the Wigan U18’s captaining them to success in their 2021 Professional Development League triumph. These performances earned him his first professional contract in which he signed in the summer of 2021. His first, first-team appearance came not long after, featuring on the bench against Hull City in the EFL Cup. Following his first pro season, the 2022 summer window, attracted interest from National League side Oldham Athletic, and he agreed to join the Mancunian side on a short term loan deal. Over the 6 months, he accumulated 6 appearances, developing a decent amount of experience. Upon returning to Wigan, James signed a new 2-year contract in April 2023. Following little first team chances in the first half of the 23/24 campaign, he agreed a short term loan deal with Scottish side Inverness. During his time up North, he made 14 appearances, once again accumulating a good amount of first team chances.

Following the end of his loan, it was indicted by Wigan boss Shaun Maloney, that he would be part of his plans going forward into 24/25, and Maloney has kept his promise, with James featuring 17 times already for Wigan at this time of writing.

Upon being interviewed after full time, Carragher stated: “I’m absolutely buzzing,” he said. “I haven’t seen the goal back, but it felt like it was quite far out for a header.

“So I wasn’t really thinking about scoring, I was just focusing on getting a good contact on it, and guiding it towards the goal.

“The ball in was great, it had so much pace on it…all I had to do was guide it towards the goal. When I went in, I was absolutely buzzing, and I think that showed with my celebration!

“Coming back into the team, and giving the team an early goal, it was great. But overall I think it was just a really good performance from everyone.

Credit: Wigan Today