Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy says playing for Team Bath set him on his way.

McCarthy had a spell on-loan with the non-league outfit as an 18 year-old while with Reading.

He recalled to the Daily Echo: “I was 18 at the time and it was very physical.

“You're a bit like 'wow'. I only played a few games for Team Bath though and then went to League Two Aldershot that same season for a few games, too.

“And then gradually as you go up the leagues it's maybe not as physical but the quality just gets a lot better."

He also said, “I always knew that I would eventually get to play in the Premier League.

“I wouldn't have said I'll have over 100 games in the Premier League, though, looking back to then (Team Bath) it seems a mile off, doesn't it?

“I've enjoyed getting to where I am through all of them loans, they have put me in good stead."