Wigan snare Wales starlet

[Jack]

Wigan Athletic have raided Bristol City to spend £2 million on teenage striker David Cotterill.

The Wales international has signed a three-year contract at The JJB Stadium after impressing Paul Jewell with his promise.

Cotterill had scored in his last two games for The Robins and Jewell feels he has landed a player with great potential.

"He is a player we have been monitoring for some time and we have decided to act now," Jewell told the club's official website.

"David is one of those players who I think has the potential to make the grade in The Premiership, which is why we have decided to take him.

"He is very quick, but he is also very hungry to learn and has a great attitude. You can see he is also an intelligent player and hopefully he will come to fulfil his potential with Wigan Athletic."

Cotterill, who was allowed to leave the Wales squad to finalise the transfer, could not contain his joy at clinching a move to The Premiership.

"This is a dream come true because my ambition is to play in The Premiership," beamed the 18-year-old.

"Obviously I realise the real hard work starts now, but I see this as an unbelievable opportunity for me and one that I intend to take.

"Wigan are an ambitious club, and this is somewhere where I think I will be given a chance. I am determined to prove to Paul Jewell that he has made the right choice."