Alex McCarthy#Career statistics
{{short description|English footballer (born 1989)}}
{{For|the baseball player|Alex McCarthy (baseball)}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Alex McCarthy
| image = Alex McCarthy (27740613413) c.jpg
| caption = McCarthy playing for Crystal Palace in 2016
| full_name = Alex Simon McCarthy{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3044867 |title=Updated squad lists for 2022/23 Premier League |publisher=Premier League |date=4 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|12|3|df=y}}{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=262}}
| birth_place = Guildford, England
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}
| position = Goalkeeper
| currentclub = Southampton
| clubnumber = 1
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Wimbledon
| youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}–2006
| youthclubs2 = Wycombe Wanderers
| youthyears3 = 2006–2007
| youthclubs3 = Reading
| years1 = 2007–2014
| clubs1 = Reading
| caps1 = 70
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2007
| clubs2 = → Woking (loan)
| caps2 = 1
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2008
| clubs3 = → Cambridge United (loan)
| caps3 = 1
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2008
| clubs4 = → Team Bath (loan)
| caps4 = 2
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2009
| clubs5 = → Aldershot Town (loan)
| caps5 = 4
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2009–2010
| clubs6 = → Yeovil Town (loan)
| caps6 = 44
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2010
| clubs7 = → Brentford (loan)
| caps7 = 3
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2011–2012
| clubs8 = → Leeds United (loan)
| caps8 = 6
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2012
| clubs9 = → Ipswich Town (loan)
| caps9 = 10
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2014–2015
| clubs10 = Queens Park Rangers
| caps10 = 3
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2015–2016
| clubs11 = Crystal Palace
| caps11 = 7
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2016–
| clubs12 = Southampton
| caps12 = 134
| goals12 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2010–2011
| nationalteam1 = England U21
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2018
| nationalteam2 = England
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| club-update = 17:52, 25 January 2025 (UTC)
}}
Alex Simon McCarthy (born 3 December 1989) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for {{English football updater|Southamp}} club Southampton.
A product of Reading's Academy, McCarthy spent time out on loan in the Conference Premier before signing professional terms with the club in 2008. He made his Football League debut in 2009 whilst on loan to Aldershot Town and spent the following season at Yeovil Town before making his Reading debut in 2011. He later spent time on loan at Leeds United and Ipswich Town. McCarthy left for Queens Park Rangers in 2014, moving on to Crystal Palace the following year, before joining Southampton in August 2016.
At international level McCarthy has represented England and made his debut for the under-21 team in 2010, appearing three times in total. In November 2018, he made his debut for the senior team.
Club career
=Early career=
Born in Guildford, Surrey, McCarthy began his career as a schoolboy at Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers before joining Reading on a scholarship at 16.{{cite web |title= 23. Alex McCarthy |date= 26 September 2023 |orig-date= 15 June 2021 |publisher=Reading F.C. |url= https://www.readingfc.co.uk/academy/graduates/alex-mccarthy/ |access-date= 4 October 2023 }} He was a regular in the Academy team for two years and was part of a group that included several future first-team players including Jem Karacan, Alex Pearce and Gylfi Sigurðsson.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/mccarthyblogengland-16-513-825451.aspx |title=Academy magic: Alex's story |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130607140123/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/mccarthyblogengland-16-513-825451.aspx |archive-date= 7 June 2013 |url-status= dead }} His first experience of senior football came in August 2007 on loan at Woking where he made one appearance cover for the injured Nick Gindre.{{cite web |url=http://www.wokingfc.co.uk/news/article/674/salisbury-city-2-woking-1/ |title=Salisbury City 2–1 Woking |publisher=Woking F.C. |access-date=23 June 2013}} On 26 March 2008, he joined fellow Conference Premier team Cambridge United on work experience,{{cite web |title=Reading Keeper Signs |url=http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10423~1274599,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001142734/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10423~1274599%2C00.html |archive-date=1 October 2011 |publisher=Cambridge United F.C. |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=17 February 2009 |url-status=dead}} making his debut two days later in a 3–0 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers.{{cite news |title=Cambridge 0–3 Kidderminster |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7309390.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=29 March 2008 |access-date=17 February 2009}} He made no further appearances and returned to Reading before signing his first professional contract in July 2008.{{cite web |url=http://shop.theshots.co.uk/PlayerDisplay.ink?season=08/09&Playertype=p&squadno=7218 |title=Alex McCarthy profile |publisher=Aldershot Town F.C. |access-date=23 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227180249/http://shop.theshots.co.uk/PlayerDisplay.ink?season=08%2F09&Playertype=p&squadno=7218 |archive-date=27 December 2014 |url-status=dead}} McCarthy moved on loan again on 24 October 2008, joining Conference South team Team Bath as injury cover.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Alex-McCarthy-comes-solve-Ged-Roddy-s-Bath-City-keeper-crisis/story-11266264-detail/story.html |title=Alex McCarthy comes in to solve Ged Roddy's Bath City keeper crisis |newspaper=The Post |location=Bristol |access-date=23 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624234446/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Alex-McCarthy-comes-solve-Ged-Roddy-s-Bath-City-keeper-crisis/story-11266264-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 June 2013 |df=dmy-all}} He made his debut the next day in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round against Salisbury City{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/need-twelfth-man-says-Team-Bath-boss-Ged-Roddy/story-11266874-detail/story.html |title='We need a twelfth man' says Team Bath boss Ged Roddy |newspaper=The Post |location=Bristol |access-date=23 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624234444/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/need-twelfth-man-says-Team-Bath-boss-Ged-Roddy/story-11266874-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 June 2013 |df=dmy-all}} and also played in the first round defeat to Forest Green Rovers,{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Team-Bath-dumped-FA-Cup/story-11233104-detail/story.html |title=Team Bath dumped out of the FA Cup |newspaper=The Post |location=Bristol |access-date=23 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913064646/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Team-Bath-dumped-FA-Cup/story-11233104-detail/story.html |archive-date=13 September 2012 |df=dmy-all}} making four appearances in total. Another short loan spell followed with McCarthy joining League Two club Aldershot Town for one month on 2 February 2009.{{cite news |title=Aldershot secure double signing |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/7865708.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206185200/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/7865708.stm |archive-date=6 February 2009}} He made his Football League debut 12 days later in a 3–2 defeat to Exeter City{{cite news |title=Exeter 3–2 Aldershot |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7876773.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216162154/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7876773.stm |archive-date=16 February 2009}} and played three further matches before returning to Reading at the beginning of March.{{cite news |url=http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/sport/football/news/shots-set-battle-bantams-5351746 |last=Oliver |first=Charlie |date=6 March 2009 |title=Shots set for battle with Bantams |newspaper=Aldershot News & Mail |access-date=23 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127040342/http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/sport/football/news/shots-set-battle-bantams-5351746 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}
At the start of the 2009–10 season McCarthy joined League One club Yeovil on an initial six-month loan{{cite news |title=Yeovil take Royals keeper on loan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/8167029.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 July 2009}} and made his debut on 8 August in a 2–0 home win over Tranmere Rovers.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8186304.stm |title=Yeovil Town 2–0 Tranmere Rovers |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2013}} A month later he received the first sending-off of his career after fouling Stockport County's Nicholas Bignall, who was also on loan from Reading.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8246615.stm |title=Yeovil Town 2–2 Stockport County |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2013}} McCarthy's loan spell was renewed in January 2010 and again in February, before being extended for the rest of the season on 24 March.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/8586085.stm |title=Reading keeper Alex McCarthy agrees Yeovil extension |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2013}} Over the course of his spell he played 44 league matches and kept all 12 of Yeovil's clean sheets. Following his successful loan, McCarthy was given a new three-year contract at Reading, keeping him with the club until 2013.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/8898828.stm |title=Alex McCarthy agrees new Reading contract |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6303253/ |title=McCarthy pens Royals deal |website=Sky Sports |access-date=24 June 2013}} He again departed on loan in August 2010, joining Brentford, though he remained there for just one month before being replaced by fellow Reading loanee Ben Hamer.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/8958474.stm |title=Brentford re-sign Reading goalkeeper Ben Hamer |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2013}}
=Reading and various loan spells=
After returning from loan at Brentford in September 2010, McCarthy spent the next five months on the bench as cover for Adam Federici.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2125&teamTabs=results&season_id=140 |title=2010–11 results |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=7 July 2013}} He eventually made his Reading debut on 19 February 2011, coming on as a substitute for the injured Federici in the 84th minute against Watford and helping to secure a 1–1 draw.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~53011,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224024419/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10306~53011%2C00.html |archive-date=24 February 2011 |title=Report: Royals held by Hornets |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=7 July 2013 |url-status=dead}} With Federici out for six weeks with knee ligament damage, McCarthy had a run in the team and made his full debut three days later in a 2–1 win over Millwall.{{cite news |url=http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/articles/2011/02/25/50799-impressive-mccarthy-aiming-to-keep-jersey/ |last=Smith |first=Anthony |date=25 February 2011 |title=Impressive McCarthy aiming to keep jersey |newspaper=Reading Chronicle |access-date=7 July 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2300239,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224230330/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~2300239%2C00.html |archive-date=24 February 2011 |title=McCarthy: "I thrive on the pressure" |publisher=Reading F.C. |date=23 February 2011 |url-status=dead}} In his next outing he saved a penalty against Crystal Palace as Reading twice came from behind to draw the match 3–3.{{cite web |title=Report: Royals fight for 3–3 draw |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2303108,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302023812/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~2303108%2C00.html |archive-date=2 March 2011 |publisher=Reading F.C. |date=26 February 2011 |url-status=dead}} He also played an important role in the 1–0 FA Cup fifth round win over Everton, producing a late save to deny Leon Osman in a performance described as "tremendous" by former England manager Kevin Keegan.{{cite web |title=Keegan hails "tremendous" McCarthy |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2305928,00.html |publisher=Reading F.C. |date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305235658/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~2305928%2C00.html |archive-date=5 March 2011 |url-status=dead}} Despite another strong display in the next round against Manchester City at Eastlands, Reading lost the match 1–0 to a Micah Richards header.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9421251.stm |title=Manchester City 1–0 Reading |website=BBC Sport |access-date=7 July 2013}} He continued in goal until 30 April when he was displaced by a fit again Federici for the 0–0 draw at Coventry City{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boss-tells-reading-fc-stars-4215008 |title=Boss tells Reading FC stars to party after securing play-offs |newspaper=Reading Post |access-date=7 July 2013}} and remained an unused substitute during Reading's play-off campaign.
With Federici remaining the first choice Reading goalkeeper for the 2011–12 season, McCarthy was loaned to Leeds United for a month on 4 November to gain Championship experience.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15571443.stm |title=Leeds United agree loan deal for keeper Alex McCarthy |website=BBC Sport |date=4 November 2011}} An injury to Andy Lonergan and the indifferent form of Paul Rachubka saw him go straight into the team for the match against Leicester City.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com.p.preprod.performgroup.com/news/20111104/mccarthy-starts-odea-set-to-miss-out_2247585_2506041 |title=McCarthy Starts, O'Dea set to miss out |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=4 November 2011 |access-date=29 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127040342/http://www.leedsunited.com.p.preprod.performgroup.com/news/20111104/mccarthy-starts-odea-set-to-miss-out_2247585_2506041 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}} He kept a clean sheet on debut as the match ended in a 1–0 win.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/match-report/match/1119816 |title=Clayton stunner secures points |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=6 November 2011}} Further clean sheets against Nottingham Forest and Millwall followed and were enough to keep him in the team ahead of the returning Lonergan.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/match-report/match/1119849 |title=United romp to emotional success |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=29 November 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/kwp76q3aoeio17p73e6u73hz4/title/united-win-it-for-speedo |title=Leeds United 2–0 Millwall |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=3 December 2011}} In the last match of his initial spell he saved an injury time penalty against Watford, allowing Leeds to rescue a point with a last minute equaliser.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/match-report/match/1119876 |title=Snoddy spot-kick snatches point |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=10 December 2011}} Following the match, he revealed that he was keen on extending his loan at Leeds, with Reading agreeing to renew it for a second month two days later.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_i_d_like_to_stay_on_mccarthy_interview_1_4052464 |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=12 December 2011 |title=Leeds United: I'd like to stay on – McCarthy |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=9 July 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_mccarthy_loan_extended_1_4053154 |title=Leeds United: McCarthy loan extended |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=12 December 2011}} Ineligible to face his parent club on 17 December, he was replaced by Lonergan and made no further appearances,{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com.p.preprod.performgroup.com/news/20111219/lonners-steeling-himself-for-fight_2247585_2552261 |title=Lonners steeling himself for fight |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=19 December 2011 |access-date=29 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127040342/http://www.leedsunited.com.p.preprod.performgroup.com/news/20111219/lonners-steeling-himself-for-fight_2247585_2552261 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}} returning to Reading on 3 January 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com.p.preprod.performgroup.com/news/20120103/loan-duo-return-to-clubs_2247585_2564698 |title=Keogh and McCarthy head away from Elland Road |publisher=Leeds United A.F.C. |date=3 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127040342/http://www.leedsunited.com.p.preprod.performgroup.com/news/20120103/loan-duo-return-to-clubs_2247585_2564698 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |df=dmy-all}} He signed a new three-year contract with Reading on 9 January before joining Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season.{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2106033_mccarthy_signs_new_reading_fc_deal_and_joins_ipswich_town_on_loan |title=McCarthy signs new Reading FC deal and joins Ipswich Town on loan |newspaper=Reading Post |access-date=10 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226155158/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2106033_mccarthy_signs_new_reading_fc_deal_and_joins_ipswich_town_on_loan |archive-date=26 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11707/7418981/Ipswich-seal-keeper-deal |title=Ipswich seal keeper deal |website=Sky Sports |date=8 January 2012}} On his return to Elland Road with Ipswich he was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area with 20 minutes remaining. Ipswich, one goal up at the time, went on to lose the match 3–1.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16559231 |title=Leeds United 3–1 Ipswich Town |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 July 2013}} After 10 appearances, all coming in the league, he returned to Reading at the end of the season.
==2012–13 season==
File:Alex McCarthy 1.png in 2013]]
Again starting the season as second choice goalkeeper, several mistakes and an injury meant McCarthy replaced Adam Federici for the 3–1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on 16 September 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/346883/Reading-boss-Brian-McDermott-says-keeper-Adam-Federici-dropped-for-poor-form |title=Reading boss Brian McDermott says keeper Adam Federici dropped for poor form |newspaper=Daily Express |access-date=18 December 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19491534 |title=Reading 1–3 Tottenham Hotspur |website=BBC Sport |access-date=18 December 2012}} After debuting in the Premier League, he achieved the feat of playing in the six top levels of English football at the age of 22.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} He retained his place in the team for the next few matches and put in an impressive performance against Swansea City on 6 October leading to suggestions of a senior England call up in the future.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/reading/9592680/Reading-goalkeeper-Alex-McCarthy-shows-he-has-England-potential-as-Swansea-are-denied-victory.html |last=Clutton |first=Graham |date=7 October 2012 |title=Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy shows he has England potential as Swansea are denied victory |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=18 December 2012}} His good form continued with a man of the match performance in Reading's next match against Queens Park Rangers, firstly tipping Esteban Granero's free-kick onto the crossbar before saving from Adel Taarabt at close range.{{cite web |url=http://goalkeepermagazine.com/goalkeeper-news/impressive-alex-mccarthy-widely-praised/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317220544/http://goalkeepermagazine.com/goalkeeper-news/impressive-alex-mccarthy-widely-praised/ |archive-date=17 March 2013 |title=Impressive Alex McCarthy widely praised |website=Goalkeeper Magazine |access-date=18 December 2012}} The match ended badly though as he injured himself colliding with the goal post after diving to stop a Taarabt shot.{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2123625_mccarthy_in_doubt_for_norwich_city_clash |title=McCarthy in doubt for Norwich City clash |newspaper=Reading Post |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110151917/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2123625_mccarthy_in_doubt_for_norwich_city_clash |archive-date=10 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}
Despite initial hopes the injury was not too serious, he was forced to undergo shoulder surgery in early December potentially ruling him out for remainder of the season.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/alex-op-061212-528369.aspx |title=McCarthy op a success |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=18 December 2012}} He recovered quicker than expected though and returned to the team on 13 April 2013, keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Liverpool.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/liverpool-report-769301.aspx |title=Scintillating stalemate |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=14 July 2013}} After making ten saves during the match, he was widely praised with his performance described as "fantastic" by Nigel Adkins and "absolutely staggering" by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-post-pool-130413-769820.aspx |title=Boss on 'world-class' Alex |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=14 July 2013}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22139618 |title=Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers hails 'staggering' Alex McCarthy |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 July 2013}} He remained in goal for the rest of the season, making 14 appearances in total.
==2013–14 season==
=Queens Park Rangers=
On 29 August 2014, McCarthy joined newly promoted Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11711/9446908/transfer-news-qpr-sign-goalkeeper-alex-mccarthy-from-reading |title=Transfer news: QPR sign goalkeeper Alex McCarthy from Reading |website=Sky Sports |access-date=29 August 2014}} McCarthy made his Rangers debut at home against Liverpool in a blockbuster narrow 3–2 defeat.{{cite news |title=QPR 2–3 Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29586620 |access-date=5 December 2014 |website=BBC Sport |date=19 October 2014}}
== Crystal Palace ==
On 23 July 2015, McCarthy joined Premier League club Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3.5 million, on a four-year contract.{{cite news |title=Alex McCarthy: Goalkeeper moves from QPR to Crystal Palace |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33644447 |access-date=22 July 2015 |website=BBC Sport}} McCarthy made his Palace debut on 8 August 2015 in a 3–1 win away to Norwich City.{{cite web |title=Report: Norwich City 1–3 Crystal Palace |url=https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2015/august/report-norwich-city-1-3-crystal-palace/ |date=8 August 2015 |publisher=Crystal Palace F.C. |access-date=10 August 2015}}
=Southampton=
== 2016–2018 ==
On 1 August 2016 McCarthy joined Southampton on a three-year contract, for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news |title=Alex McCarthy: Southampton sign Crystal Palace goalkeeper |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36945414 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=1 August 2016 |date=1 August 2016}} On 21 September 2016, McCarthy made his first appearance for Southampton in a 2–0 victory against former club Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2016 |title=Southampton 2–0 Crystal Palace |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37357875 |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} McCarthy made no league appearances for the club during the 2016–17 season.
McCarthy was initially used as back-up to regular keeper Fraser Forster, but on 30 December 2017 he took over from the latter following the regular goalkeeper's drop in form and kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw against Manchester United.{{cite news |last=Crook |first=Alex |title=Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy sends warning to Fraser Forster and Crystal Palace |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/898885/Southampton-Crystal-Palace-Alex-McCarthy-Fraser-Forster-Premier-League-news |access-date=7 February 2018 |newspaper=Daily Express |date=1 January 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Bysouth |first=Alex |date=30 December 2017 |title=Manchester United 0–0 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42411000 |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} Following his breakthrough into the first team, McCarthy was named player of the season at the end of the campaign.{{Cite web |date=14 May 2018 |title=McCarthy named Player of the Season |url=https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2018-05-14/southampton-player-awards-results-201718 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706184639/https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2018-05-14/southampton-player-awards-results-201718 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=30 April 2023 |publisher=Southampton F.C.}}
== 2018–2021 ==
On 27 June 2018, McCarthy signed a new four-year contract with the club, keeping him on their books until 2020. This made him one of Southampton's highest-earning players, reflecting his status as first-choice keeper.{{cite web |date=27 June 2018 |title=McCarthy pens new four-year deal |url=https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-06-27/alex-mccarthy-new-southampton-four-year-contract-announcement |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702011038/https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-06-27/alex-mccarthy-new-southampton-four-year-contract-announcement |archive-date=2 July 2018 |access-date=2 July 2018 |publisher=Southampton F.C.}} However, he began the 2019–20 Premier League season as second choice behind Angus Gunn, with manager Ralph Hasenhüttl using McCarthy in the EFL Cup games.{{cite news |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/17975661.southampton-boss-ralph-hasenhuttl-discusses-angus-gunn-alex-mccarthy/|title=Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl discusses Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy|date=18 October 2019|newspaper=Southern Daily Echo|access-date=31 October 2019}} He made his first Premier League start of the season on 2 November 2019 in a 2–1 defeat to Manchester City after Gunn had conceded nine goals to Leicester City the previous match.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/24/southampton-alex-mccarthy-england-goalkeeper|title=Southampton's Alex McCarthy: 'My dad had to learn how to walk again'|last=Fisher|first=Ben|date=24 January 2020|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=24 January 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Chris |date=2 November 2019 |title=Manchester City 2–1 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50191002 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}
McCarthy made his first appearance of the 2020–21 season on 12 September 2020 in a 1–0 defeat to Crystal Palace.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Neil |date=12 September 2020 |title=Crystal Palace 1–0 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54038552 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} On 3 January 2021, it was announced that McCarthy had tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|title=McCarthy tests positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2021/january/southampton-keeper-alex-mccarthy-out-of-liverpool-game-after-positive-covid-test| date=3 January 2021 |access-date=14 January 2021|website=BT.com }} The positive test saw him miss Southampton's 1–0 win over Liverpool.{{Cite web|last=Sutcliffe|first=Steve |title=Southampton 1 Liverpool 0|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55463017|date=4 January 2021|access-date=14 January 2021|website=BBC Sport}} On 2 February 2021, McCarthy conceded nine goals to Manchester United.{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Simon |date=2 February 2021 |title=Manchester United 9–0 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55806211 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}
== 2021–present ==
During the 2021–22 season, McCarthy would again start the campaign as first choice goalkeeper, and made his first appearance on 14 August 2021 in a 3–1 defeat to Everton.{{Cite web |last=Magowan |first=Alastair |date=14 August 2021 |title=Everton 3–1 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58124897 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} On 4 December 2021, McCarthy picked up an hamstring injury in a 1–1 draw with Brighton.{{Cite web |last=Aloia |first=Andrew |date=4 December 2021 |title=Southampton 1–1 Brighton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59380868 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} Hasenhüttl criticised McCarthy after the match for failing to say he was injured during the game.{{Cite web |last=Leach |first=Tom |date=5 December 2021 |title=Every word Ralph Hasenhuttl said on Alex McCarthy, Brighton pain and Southampton goalkeeper plan |url=https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/alex-mccarthy-brighton-southampton-goalkeeper-6304897 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Hampshire Live}} The injury to McCarthy meant there were no senior goalkeepers available since Forster was also injured, and this led to Southampton signing free agent Willy Caballero.{{Cite web |date=6 December 2021 |title=Saints sign Caballero on short term deal |url=https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-12-06/announcement-southampton-signing-willy-caballero |access-date=1 May 2023 |publisher=Southampton F.C.}} It would take until 17 May 2022 for McCarthy to feature again in a 2–1 defeat to Liverpool.{{Cite web |last=McNulty |first=Phil |date=17 May 2022 |title=Southampton 1–2 Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61389087 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}
Following the arrival of Gavin Bazunu in the summer of 2022, McCarthy was limited to cup competitions at the start of the 2022–23 season.{{Cite web |last=Tanswell |first=Jacob |date=20 September 2022 |title=Inside Southampton's quest for goalkeeping harmony |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3492108/2022/09/20/southampton-goalkeepers-bazunu-mccarthy-harmony/ |access-date=16 July 2024 |website=The Athletic}} He regained his place ahead of Bazunu towards the end of the campaign, with manager Rubén Sélles stating that he is "important to us".{{Cite web |last=Nurick |first=Benjy |date=7 May 2023 |title=Southampton manager shares verdict on 'important' Alex McCarthy |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23506234.southampton-manager-shares-verdict-important-alex-mccarthy/ |access-date=16 July 2024 |website=Southern Daily Echo}} The club were ultimately relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.{{Cite web |last=Grounds |first=Ben |date=14 May 2023 |title=Southampton relegated from the Premier League: James Ward-Prowse says he and team-mates will carry regrets |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11700/12879067/southampton-relegated-from-the-premier-league-james-ward-prowse-says-he-and-team-mates-will-carry-regrets |access-date=16 July 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}
On 16 April 2024, McCarthy replaced Bazunu in the lineup against Preston North End due to Bazunu picking up an injury in the warm-up.{{Cite web |last=House |first=Alfie |title=McCarthy replaces injured Bazunu in Southampton lineup |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24258134.mccarthy-replaces-injured-bazunu-southampton-lineup/ |access-date=16 July 2024 |website=Southern Daily Echo|date=16 April 2024 }} He played in the 2024 EFL Championship play-off final on 26 May against Leeds United, which Southampton won 1–0 to gain promotion to the Premier League.{{Cite web |last=Woodcock |first=Ian |date=26 May 2024 |title=Leeds United 0–1 Southampton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cd11vdnwwjdt |access-date=16 July 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}
On 28 June 2024, McCarthy signed a two-year contract extension.{{Cite web |date=28 June 2024 |title=McCarthy signs new two-year contract |url=https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/mccarthy-signs-new-two-year-contract |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Southampton FC}}
International career
McCarthy trained with the England under-19s before joining the under-21 set-up for the first time in September 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.ytfc.net/page/FirstTeam/0,,10673,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830014305/http://www.ytfc.net/page/FirstTeam/0%2C%2C10673%2C00.html |archive-date=30 August 2009 |title=Alex McCarthy profile |publisher=Yeovil Town F.C. |access-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1791568,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911081209/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1791568%2C00.html |archive-date=11 September 2009 |title=McCarthy backs up U21 draw |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead}} He received several further call-ups to the under-21s in 2009–10 and eventually made his debut as a second-half substitute against Uzbekistan in August 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=10513 |title=McCarthy gets England under-21s call-up for Macedonia clash |website=Ciderspace |date=4 October 2009 |access-date=20 July 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=10795 |title=McCarthy gets England call-up for Wembley fixture |website=Ciderspace |date=4 November 2009 |access-date=20 July 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=11729 |title=McCarthy gets England call-up for Greece visit |website=Ciderspace |date=24 February 2010 |access-date=20 July 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8902828.stm |title=England U21 2–0 Uzbekistan U21 |website=BBC Sport |date=10 August 2010 |access-date=20 July 2013}} In March 2011 he was named in a 31-man squad to face Denmark and Iceland as preparation for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-under-21s/News/2011/Squad-Den-Ice |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104222409/http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-under-21s/News/2011/Squad-Den-Ice |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Pearce picks big squad |publisher=The Football Association |date=15 March 2011}} He played a full 90 minutes in the first match and 45 in the second as England won 4–0 and lost 2–1 respectively.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2323751,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427143445/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~2323751%2C00.html |archive-date=27 April 2011 |title=Joy for McCarthy on U21s debut |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead}} He travelled with the squad to championships in Denmark but did not play any matches, finishing with three caps at under-21 level.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-under-21s/News/2011/england-under-21s-squad-euro |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120527053045/http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-under-21s/News/2011/england-under-21s-squad-euro |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 May 2012 |title=Pearce names squad for Euro 2011 |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=20 July 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/england/All-Teams/Players/M/Alex-Mc-Carthy |title=Alex McCarthy profile |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=20 July 2013}}
In April 2012, McCarthy was named in the 80-man longlist of potential players for the Great Britain football team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and in June, he made it down to the shortlist of 35 players provisionally selected for the tournament,{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2803664,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615181315/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~2803664%2C00.html |archive-date=15 June 2012 |title=McCarthy makes latest Olympic cut |publisher=Reading F.C. |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead}} although he did not make the final 18.{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alex-mccarthy-missed-out-gb-4198702 |title=Alex McCarthy missed out of GB Olympic squad |newspaper=Reading Post |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=20 July 2013}}
In May 2013 he was called up to the England senior team for the friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil,{{cite web |title=Roy calls on McCarthy |url=http://www.thefa.com/england/News/2013/england-squad-ireland-brazil |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630101544/http://www.thefa.com/england/News/2013/england-squad-ireland-brazil |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2013 |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=16 May 2013}} becoming the first Reading youth team graduate to gain a full England call-up since the academy era began in 1998,{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/mccarthy-called-up-160513-825007.aspx |title=McCarthy in England squad |publisher=Reading F.C. |date=16 May 2013 |access-date=20 July 2013}} although he did not make an appearance. On 1 September 2016, he was called up to the senior squad again by Sam Allardyce to replace the injured Fraser Forster for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37243639 |title=England keeper Fraser Forster replaced by Southampton team-mate Alex McCarthy |website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2016 |access-date=1 September 2016}}
In August 2018, McCarthy was called up for England's first squad since the 2018 World Cup, for matches against Spain and Switzerland.{{cite web |title=Luke Shaw: Manchester United defender included in England 23-man squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45357041 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=31 August 2018 |date=30 August 2018}} He made his debut on 15 November as a half-time substitute in England's 3–0 win over the United States at Wembley Stadium in a friendly match, nearly five and a half years after his first call-up.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45174412 |title=England 3–0 USA |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=15 November 2018}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 8 February 2025}}
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 15 November 2018}}{{NFT player |id=72550 |name=McCarthy, Alex |accessdate=10 December 2018}}
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England
|2018 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan=2|Total||1||0 |
Honours
Southampton
- EFL Championship play-offs: 2024{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cd11vdnwwjdt#Line-ups |title=Leeds United 0–1 Southampton: Line-ups |website=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024}}
Individual
- Southampton Players' Player of the Season: 2017–18
- Southampton Fans' Player of the Season: 2017–18{{cite web|url=https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2018-05-14/southampton-player-awards-results-201718|title=McCarthy named Player of the Season|publisher=Southampton F.C. |date=14 May 2018|access-date=26 July 2020}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/teams/profile/alex-mccarthy Profile] at the Southampton F.C. website
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Southampton F.C. squad}}
{{Southampton F.C. Player of the Season}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McCarthy, Alex}}
Category:Footballers from Guildford
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football goalkeepers
Category:Wimbledon F.C. players
Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Cambridge United F.C. players
Category:Team Bath F.C. players
Category:Aldershot Town F.C. players
Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players
Category:Brentford F.C. players
Category:Leeds United F.C. players
Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players
Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players
Category:Crystal Palace F.C. players
Category:Southampton F.C. players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:England men's under-21 international footballers