JAMIE CARRAGHER’S son continues to go from strength-to-strength as he looks to forge his own footballing legacy.
Despite their relegation to League One last season, Wigan Athletic secured the future of the highly-rated 20-year-old James Carragher.
He penned a new contract at the DW Stadium to tie him to the club until at least 2025.
And he continues to show that following in the footsteps of his legendary father is no issue.
Liverpool icon Carragher, 45, spent his entire career at Anfield and made 737 appearances for them – second only to Ian Callaghan in the all-time standings.
He played in the infamous Istanbul comeback against AC Milan that secured the Champions League trophy in 2005.
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And he also won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup three times, the Uefa Super Cup two times and the Uefa Cup during his career.
These days Carragher is one of the most-popular and recognisable pundits in the business and star of Sky Sports Monday Night Football alongside ex-Manchester United ace Gary Neville.
Meanwhile, his son James left Liverpool’s academy for Wigan aged 14 and went on to captain their U18 side to two Professional Development League North titles.
He turned pro in 2021 and then made his senior debut that August against Hull City in the Carabao Cup.
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James made several more outings in the EFL Trophy that campaign before gaining more experience last term after scoring in a pre-season victory over a Liverpool XI.
He had another appearance in the Carabao Cup before heading out to National League side Oldham Athletic on loan.
Sadly, he made just five appearances before that spell was cut short through injury but Wigan’s academy manager has seen more than enough to admit he has “high hopes” for the starlet.
After his contract extension was announced in the summer, Gregor Rioc said: “We are absolutely delighted to have James extend his stay with Wigan Athletic.
“He has progressed brilliantly throughout his time in our Academy, and has made a number of first-team appearances following his debut in August 2021.
“James has spent time out on loan with Oldham Athletic, which was a great experience for him.
“We are really excited for James to return from his injury, and we have really high hopes for him in the future.
“James is only going to keep improving, and we’re pleased that he will continue his development with us in the years to come.”
Those thoughts were echoed by first-team boss Shaun Maloney, who added: “James is a talented young central defender who has a great future ahead of him.”
James is yet to make an appearance for Wigan in League One so far this season, but his dad could not have been more pleased to see his boy pen a new deal.
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He shared a snap of himself alongside his son signing the contract and captioned it with: “Delighted @jcarragher31 has signed a new two year deal @laticsofficial.
“He’s had to show a lot of mental strength these last few months, which will hold him in good stead for a career in football. Very proud of you son.”
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