James McCarthy is ignoring yet more speculation about his future to concentrate on keeping Wigan in the Barclays Premier League.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder is aware that champions Manchester United are reportedly the latest to join the lengthening list of top-flight clubs who are believed to be keeping tabs on him.

McCarthy joined the Latics from Hamilton four years ago and signed a new five-year contract in 2011 after developing into a key player for manager Roberto Martinez.

During his short time in the game he has become adept at focusing on the job in hand which, again this season, is the Latics’ survival as Wigan sit in the relegation zone, three points behind Aston Villa albeit with a game in hand.

“I don’t want to talk about speculation,” he admitted: “The most important thing is to keep Wigan in the Premier League and that is all I am concentrating on. I am happy at Wigan, it is a great club to be at.

“I am learning all the time. Roberto Martinez and the coaching staff have been different class and there are a great bunch of boys at this club. We are three points adrift and there are massive games coming up but I am confident enough because our recent performances have been good.

“Against Man City we were brilliant at times but perhaps we haven’t had the rub of the green and maybe we have not been taking our chances. ”

So we have been putting in good performances but now we need points. “We need a few results but we are looking forward to the challenge.”

McCarthy believes Wigan’s experience in battling at the wrong end of the table may prove crucial in the final analysis. The Lancashire club have five games to maintain their eight-year stay in the Premier League, starting with the visit of Tottenham on Saturday.

However, the Glaswegian believes the relegation battle may well go down to the last day of the season when they take on Villa. “It is in our own hands and if we go about our business the right way then we’ll be fine,” he said.

“We have the experience of being in this position before and we have a good squad who will be giving it our all.

“Hopefully we get enough points not to go into the last game against Aston Villa needing a result but if we do then so be it.”

Such is McCarthy’s focus on Premier League survival that he cannot yet contemplate the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley next month.

“The gaffer spoke to us, saying that we need to concentrate on the league so we can’t be thinking about the FA Cup final,” he said.

“But everyone knows how massive it is to stay in the Premier League. We need to get points on the board and the FA Cup final will take care of itself.”