Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle admits he tried to sign Wigan Athletic whizkid James McCarthy for Burnley last summer.

McCarthy and Wigan face Coyle's Trotters tomorrow.

The Bolton manager said: "I made an offer for James but he was out of our price range.

"Wigan have to be congratulated for helping him come on. I saw him get rag-dolled on his debut but he has come back stronger and looks built-up.

"I have known him since he was 16 and coming from where he does in Glasgow he is going to have real passion - I love that type of player."