Peter Reid praises James McCarthy impact at Everton

Former Everton midfielder Peter Reid has praised James McCarthy for adapting quickly to life at the club.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined the Toffees from Wigan Athletic on transfer deadline day for £14m.

Reid believes that the youngster has proven to be a relative bargain in terms of his transfer fee after making an instant impact at Goodison Park.

"I saw James play for Wigan once or twice and I thought he was excellent," he told The Herald. "He can handle the ball and I think he has made a really good start to his Everton career.

"Besides getting about the pitch, disrupting the opposition and making tackles, I also think he keeps possession well. When you talk about midfielders, I think he has got the full range of ability.

"In relative terms, when you look at some of the prices that have been paid, I thought the money Everton paid for him was quite reasonable."

McCarthy has made 10 appearances for Everton so far this season.