LIONS CAP WILL SOON FIT FOR

ALEX McCARTHY is in the form of his life – and as long as that continues the Southampton keeper will make his elusive England debut soon.

That upbeat message comes from Saints boss Mark Hughes after McCarthy’s third call-up to the Three Lions squad in five years failed to bring a first senior cap again.

The St Mary’s star (left) is enjoying a superb 2018. Since December 30 last year he has kept nine clean sheets in 27 outings, including two in four league games this term.

It was good enough for Gareth Southgate to pick him for his first post-World Cup squad but he chose Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland to play against Switzerland and Spain.

However Hughes has nothing but praise for McCarthy’s influence at Southampton – and is adamant his chance to shine for his country will come.

Ahead of tomorrow’s home showdown with south-coast rivals Brighton, Sparky said: “Alex is just getting better and stronger.

“He’s showing more leadership and that’s the demand of a number one. You have to have that.

“He’s certainly helping the guys in front of him here – leading from a position at the base of our back four.

“I’m sure he’d have preferred some game-time with England but he’s coming back enthused. We’re Aug 2018: Brighton 0 S’hampton 1 Jan 2018: S’hampton 1 Brighton 1 Oct 2017: Brighton 1 S’hampton 1 Jan 2012: Brighton 3 S’hampton 0 Nov 2011: S’hampton 3 Brighton 0

S’hampton – 23 wins Brighton – 8 wins Draws – 12