Martin issues classy message to McCarthy as Ramsdale looms

The St Mary's side are on the verge of completing the high-profile signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale, 26, for an initial fee of £18million.

England international Ramsdale could be registered in time to face Brentford this weekend and immediately usurp play-off hero McCarthy.

McCarthy has made 149 appearances for Saints and kept two clean sheets in their three play-off matches to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

On signing Ramsdale, Martin said: "I think it will be massive. I think some of the guys might be surprised that he's coming but I think it's big.

"I think it will give everyone a lift, but I also think there will be one guy in there who's not happy about it, which is Alex. Alex has been amazing for us. 

Alex McCarthy helped Saints to win promotion to the Premier League (Image: PA)

"If he hadn't come in the team and did what he did last season, we don't get promoted. If he'd come in rusty because he hadn't even been number two.

"Without Alex, we're not in the Premier League I think, so I'll be forever grateful to to him. He's done great this season.

"People will talk about the mistake at Newcastle and all that but he was brilliant on Saturday. I know have a big call to make if we get Aaron done in time.

"I feel for Alex, whilst I'm really happy that Aaron's coming in and really happy with the group we have and excited about that signing," Martin added. 

"It's a really tough part of football. Someone's always going to be unhappy with that happening. But I also do not doubt that Alex will be a brilliant teammate.

"He was all of last season even when he wasn't playing because he's a fantastic guy. I absolutely love Al and what he brings to us as a group.

"I just wanted to make clear that whilst I'm excited about the signing, I want to make sure that everyone appreciates the job that Al did for us and respects that.

"Aaron knows that if he comes in the building he's got someone that we really trust breathing down his neck."

Russell Martin: "Ramsdale wants to become England number one, and he wants to be here. Five weeks ago I'd have said it was crazy, even a week ago it was not achievable. We have pestered him, he's seen how we have played and wants to show everyone how good he is."#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) August 30, 2024

Ramsdale could be involved in training on Friday ahead of the trip to West London, as Saints hunt their first points of the Premier League season.

"It's all about timing. I think the clubs are very advanced in what's going on with the paperwork and all that stuff," Martin said. 

"Arsenal are trying to get one in themselves so I don't know that situation, but we'll be kept on top of it.

"The hope is that he's registered in time to be involved tomorrow and to train this morning and then we'll have to wait and see."