MANAGER Russell Martin praised how much Southampton’s goalkeepers are “pushing each other.”

The retired defender hailed Alex McCarthy’s professional attitude after being relegated to third choice.

The one-time England international, whose contract expires this summer, began the season as second-choice but has since lost his spot on the bench to Joe Lumley.

“It would be really easy for Alex to be annoyed and frustrated with being the third-choice goalkeeper,” Martin told the Daily Echo.

“He could say he doesn’t want to travel as the third choice, but he has been amazing.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the goalkeeping department and the way they push each other.

“Gavin was the third-choice goalie in the cup game the other week. He did all of the finishing warm-ups.

“At the end of the game, he was out in the rain celebrating with all the players. I loved that, they are really together.

“They all understand what Dean (Thornton) wants when playing in goal because it can be a bit difficult.”

Teenager Adli Mohamed has been Southampton’s fourth goalkeeper in training this season.

The 19 year old has recently signed his first professional contract having travelled with the squad and made his under-21s debut this season.


“I really like Adli, he is a great kid,” Martin added. “He wants to learn and get better. Dean has been really impressed with him.

“It was nice to see him, his mum and his brother last week when he was signing his new deal. I’m delighted for him.

“He is not one for the here and now. He has been the fourth goalie in training a lot to push the other guys.”