Martin heaps praise on McCarthy in landmark Southampton appearance

The hosts went in front via Abdoulaye Doucoure’s 20th-minute header but Saints levelled through Taylor Harwood-Bellis just past the half-hour mark.

It ended 1-1 as Everton’s Jesper Lindstrom was twice unable to convert good opportunities, seeing shots saved by McCarthy either side of the equaliser.

Martin’s Saints then emerged triumphant in the shootout, winning 6-5 after McCarthy pushed substitute Ashley Young’s attempt against the post.

McCarthy, who helped push Saints over the line with two clean sheets in three play-off matches last campaign, made his 150th appearance for the club.

Speaking at Goodison Park, Martin told the Daily Echo: "What a guy. He was brilliant tonight. He was amazing at the end of last season.

Saints manager Russell Martin hopes his side can kick on in the Premier League (Image: PA)

"We wouldn't have done it without him for sure. Then he's been an amazing team-mate the way he's responded to losing his place to Aaron Ramsdale.

"Rambo has come in and was excellent on Saturday. Al is first and foremost a brilliant human being and that helps. He puts the team first.

"Then he comes in tonight and can perform like that. I thought he was great. We have a really strong goalkeeping department with Joe Lumley.

"He's responded well to being out of the squad the last few games and he played in the last cup game so he would have been disappointed not to play.

"They're brilliant and Dean Thornton has been working them hard and pushing them hard. Tonight he deserves this, I'm really pleased for Al.

"He has a moment like that when the fans are cheering his name. The fans were amazing by the way, the amount of travel on a Tuesday night up here."

Around 1,000 Saints fans made the eight-hour round trip for the third round of the Carabao Cup, with Saints winning progression to the fourth round.