KEEPER Alex McCarthy described as “top-drawer” Armando Broja’s impact off the bench for Saints against West Ham and added: “He applies himself very well.”

The Albanian international replaced Adam Armstrong for the final 16 minutes against the Irons on Saturday.

Chelsea youngster Broja almost netted his first league goal for his loan club, but saw his shot cannon off the post in the 0-0 draw.

He also saw a header cleared off the line by Declan Rice, after meeting James Ward Prowse’s corner.

McCarthy said: “All the subs that came on were excellent. They definitely changed the complexion of the game.

“Armando when he came on, I thought he was top-drawer. On another day I think that (the shot) goes in rather than coming straight back out.

“It was unfortunate not to see that go in but there’s lots of positives we can take.”

Broja came through the youth ranks at Chelsea and signed a fresh five-year contract at Stamford Bridge before joining Saints on a season-long deal this summer.

He spent last season on loan Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem, where he made 34 appearances and scored 11 goals.

Slough-born Broja also opened his goal account on the senior international stage for Albania earlier this month.

Asked what it had been like working with the 20-year-old, McCarthy said: “He’s a great lad along with Tino (Livramento) and everyone else that’s come in.

“I think we’ve got a really good bunch of lads this season, there’s a great team spirit there.

“He applies himself very well in training and that’s why he’s got his chance in the game and produced.”