Former Manchester United and Rangers coach Archie Knox has rubbished claims new Wigan signing James McCarthy deserves comparisons with Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

Knox has taken heat for not capping McCarthy as a teenager for Scotland, with the midfielder now a Republic of Ireland international.

"James has got himself a great move to Wigan," Knox told the Scottish Sun. "Like everyone else, I want to see him do well.

"But I don't want anyone making mountains out of molehills over this. There have only been two players at 16 and 17 who I have watched in my entire life and been prepared to place money on them becoming international footballers.

"One was Giggs and the other was Rooney. I don't care what anybody says - if you're going to tell me that anybody at 16 or 17 is a certainty to play international football then I'm not well enough qualified to do that.

"How can people be sure now? I've seen players bought for £20million and you still can't be sure. There still isn't certainty.

"Let me be straight about this. James is a good young player who is capable of doing very well.

"With more experience, and being exposed to the Premiership, he has a great chance. If he's got it in his locker then he will do it. There's no question.

"But for someone to say they are 100 per cent sure - well, he knows his football better than me."