James McCarthy says he is not scared about becoming the most expensive Scottish-born footballer in history.
The £13million Everton paid Wigan Athletic for the 22-year old Glasgow native on deadline day eclipsed the £9.5m Spartak Moscow sent Celtic in exchange for Denny-born winger Aiden McGeady in 2010.
Interestingly, the pair have both switched allegiances to the Republic of Ireland leaving England-born Steven Fletcher as the most expensive player in the Scotland squad after Sunderland paid Wolves £12m for him last summer.
Nonetheless, McCarthy stands as the player born in Scotland worth the most money but he has embraced the tag and is looking forward to life at Goodison Park.
"No, not at all," he said when asked if it bothers him. "I am looking forward to it. It's a new challenge and as I say, I am really looking forward to it.
"I have had a few people on my case about it, and it's one I'm going to need to take in my stride.
"Hopefully I can make the step up to a big club at Everton, and it's one I'm looking forward to.
"Obviously I am delighted to be back in the Premier League. It's a real excitement and a new challenge for myself."
