'Special place' - McCarthy signs new contract to remain at Saints

GOALKEEPER Alex McCarthy has signed a new contract to remain at Saints until 2026.

The 34 year old was on terms due to expire this month and had been linked with interest from the likes of Liverpool and Celtic.

Since walking into Staplewood at the start of the 2016/17 season, McCarthy has gone on to make 147 appearances for the club over eight years.

McCarthy has penned a new two-year deal to extend that St Mary's stay even further and expressed his thanks.

McCarthy said: “I’m delighted to extend my stay at a club which means so much to me and my family.

"To spend the best part of ten years here shows how special a place it is. The end of last season will always stay with me.

"Helping the club get back to where we belong is what we set out to do at the start of the season and I was happy to play my part.

“I really enjoy working with Dean (Thornton) and the goalkeepers we have here. I’m already looking forward to the new season and the test of Premier League football again.”

The former Reading man began last season as back-up to Gavin Bazunu but re-entered the side when the Irishman was injured in April.

Bazunu suffered a ruptured Achilles injury in the warm-up of the home match versus Preston and is expected to be sidelined until 2025.

McCarthy played the last five matches of the regular Championship season before producing his best performances in the play-offs.

He kept a clean sheet against West Brom in the semi-final and Leeds United in the final, which helped confirm Southampton's Premier League return.

Manager Russell Martin said: “Al stepped up when we needed him most last season and we have a huge amount of respect for him for doing that.

“He’s an integral part of the goalkeeping union Dean has here and knows the values associated with this football club.

“I’m delighted he’s decided to sign, as he brings significant Premier League experience alongside his ability as a goalkeeper, and that will be important next season.”