Isle of Man footballer Adam Long is set to make his first team debut for Wigan Athletic this evening (Tuesday).

The talented centre-back left the island earlier this year to move to the Greater Manchester club having enjoyed a breakthrough season at St George’s.

The 16-year-old made an instant impact for the Glencrutchery Road side as he helped guide them to a record-breaking third Grand Slam.

The teenager then made the switch to Wigan to join the club’s under-18s team and, having impressed the Latics’ coaches, Long has now been given his first team debut.

The tall defender will become one of the youngest players in Wigan’s first team history when he takes to the pitch at the DW Stadium to face Middlesbrough’s under-21 players in the EFL Checkatrade Trophy.

Speaking earlier today, a delighted Adam commented: ’I’m obviously over the moon to be playing at such a young age. I never would have thought from this time last year that I’d get such an opportunity.’

More reaction plus photographs from Adam’s debut in this week’s Manx Independent, on sale Thursday morning.