Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of Lee Cattermole for £3.5million from Premier League rivals Middlesbrough on a three-year deal at the JJB Stadium.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce who had an eye on the player for quite sometime is thrilled to have the England Under-21 International in his squad.

"He's got everything going for him, he's young, he's courageous, he's a tireless worker and I think he can have a great career in football, hopefully for this club," Bruce told the club's website.

"He only turned 20 in April, and already he has played nearly 70 games in the Premier League, as well as in the UEFA Cup. That's exceptional. He can be a great leader of the future.

"I really think the sky's the limit with Lee. If he dedicates himself to the sport as he clearly has done up until now, and he keeps learning, there's no reason why he can't progress to full international honours. I am absolutely thrilled we've managed to get him."

The 20-year old thanked all his supporters and fans back at Boro insisting that leaving his hometown was one of the toughest decision he had taken.

"I'm sad to be leaving my home-town club in many ways and I want to thank all the supporters and the club for everything they have done for me over the years," he said.

"I just think the time is right for a new challenge and I see working with Steve Bruce here at Wigan as a fantastic opportunity because this is a team really going places.

"You just need to look at the squad to see that and I know I'm going to have to work really hard to get into the team."