McCarthy - 'I'm honoured to be a Southampton player'

Alex McCarthy said that he's "honoured" to be a Southampton player after signing from Crystal Palace.

Saints' third summer signing joined the club on a three-year deal earlier today and has said that he's "over the moon" to become a Southampton player.

Speaking to Southampton's official YouTube channel, McCarthy said: "I’m over the moon to join a club like this.

"Obviously, the club is known for producing young players and they’ve had successful seasons. I’m honoured to be here and I’m looking forward to working with everyone."

The 26-year-old said his "eyes lit up" when he learned of the interest of Southampton and discussed the factors that led him to choose to move to the south-coast.

"My eyes lit up. It’s a club close to home for me and with the way that the club is run and the way the club’s going it’s a massive positive.

"Being in the Europa League is a plus. Working with Dave Watson [Head of Goalkeeping] is a plus. Speaking with a few of the boys that I’ve played with before, the things that they said. With all that mixed together, it was an easy decision for me to make."

McCarthy worked with Dave Watson when he was a part of the England set up in 2013 and can't wait to emulate the England goalkeepers that Watson has helped develop.

"It was good working with Dave for the few days that I did when I was away with him. Now that I’m going to be working with him day-in, day-out, I think we can build a relationship together.

"I've had a few chats with him on the phone and we’re exciting to get working together. He’s worked with Joe Hart and Fraser Forster, and everyone has obviously seen what’s happened to them and where they’ve gone. I'm looking to follow them footsteps."

The 26-year-old was full of praise for Southampton's first choice goalkeeper Fraser Forster but said that he wouldn't have come to St. Mary's if he didn't believe that he could dislodge the former Celtic 'keeper.

"Fraser had a good season last season. He is a top quality goalkeeper. But I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I could I could push him."