Latics defender James Carragher is relishing the challenge of National League football after joining on loan from Wigan Athletic.

The 19-year-old made his debut in the thrilling 3-2 win against Eastleigh and also featured against Bromley over the weekend.

Carragher, the son of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, is embracing the step up to senior football and hopes he can keep learning over the coming weeks and months.

He said: “I have been wanting to do it for a while. Last year I had a few injury problems which probably held me back a bit.

“Obviously, I wanted to get out on loan as quickly as possible, you need the experience. I didn’t want to be a player who was and still hadn’t played in the game.

“You are going to make mistakes as a young kid against men, it is standard.

“But I think just to get the experience of getting some really good games under my belt against men, it is not going to do any harm so I am really looking forward to it.”

Carragher’s debut was a memorable experience, with Charlie Wellens scoring a dramatic late winner against Eastleigh in front of more than 6,500 fans at Boundary Park.

He added: “It was tough. It is different to the academy. I have played a few games for Wigan’s first team obviously, and it was different.

“But it is what I need, playing against proper men. Hopefully, this season I will play against more teams like that, but it was good.

“I thought I did well. I thought there were parts that I can improve on – probably anyone will say that. I think the first 10, 15 minutes I was just a bit nervous. I found out I was starting quite late so it was one of those getting into it.

“But as I grew into the game I got better and better. It was just brilliant experience and it has stood me in good stead.

“I played here for Wigan in two pre-season friendlies but there were no fans here, so it was different. I have never really experienced what it was like here.”

The centre-back is highly regarded at Wigan, having captained the Under-18 side which won the Professional Development League a couple of season ago.

“I have really enjoyed it at Wigan. I left Liverpool when I was 14 and went to Wigan, I have just progressed as player really and found a lot more confidence,” Carragher explained.

“I think playing through the under-18s and 23s and being a captain a few times has given me a good sense of leadership skills, which is going to help me in this league.

“There is a lot of stuff you need in this league that relates back to that. The last few years at Wigan, we won quite a lot. Hopefully, the winning and the leadership skills stand me in good stead.”