I’VE GOT TO KEEP FAITH

ALEX McCARTHY insists he never gave up on his England dream.

The Southampton goalkeeper’s impressive start to the season has seen him called up to the Three Lions’ squad for the games against Spain and Switzerland.

But McCarthy, 28, has been forced to take the long route to the top, having started his career with Reading before finding himself sent out on loan no fewer than EIGHT times, including spells at Team Bath, Aldershot and Woking.

Despite that he never abandoned hope of making it back into the England squad.

“It’s been frustrating at times, but that’s part and parcel of football,” said McCarthy, who has yet to win an England cap, despite being called up in 2013 and 2016.

“Obviously the main thing for me is now I am playing week in, week out and it’s giving me the chance to be here now.

“I definitely never thought the chance had gone. Obviously I have had setbacks in my career before.

“But I knew, now that I’ve been back playing again, I would get my chance.

Ready

“I am always working at my game and there’s always areas to improve on.

“But I have got a good goalkeeping coach and as long as I keep playing well, hopefully chances will come more often.

“I feel completely ready. Like I said, I want to have a good week’s training this week and obviously give the manager a decision to make at the end of the week.”

McCarthy has no intention of joining up with England just to make up the numbers and added: “Obviously it’s an unbelievable feeling to be back here.

“I’ve been in two squads before, but that was quite a while ago, so obviously after the World Cup and everything that has gone on it’s been a positive for English football.

“It’s nice to be back involved and a part of it. Now it’s time for me to go out there and prove what I can do.

“We’re away for seven or eight days, so it’s enough time to sort of show the manager what I can do. I want to give him a decision to make.

“It’s massive for me. I’ve got that confidence and I feel strong in myself.

“I am using this week to obviously show the manager what I am about and then we’ll see what happens at the end of that.”