Jason McCarthy: Walsall are a family club

The 20-year-old, who has joined on loan from Southampton, is one of eight new arrivals at the Banks's Stadium this summer.

Despite his young age, McCarthy has a good pedigree in the game after winning the Supporters' Player of the Year award following a similar loan move at Wycombe last season.

He has also won the Premier League Youth and Development League with his parent club.

Now the young defender is excited to start the season with Walsall, after enjoying his first few weeks with the club.

He said: "I really like the feel of the club and I'm looking forward to the season getting started.

"Everyone I spoke to about Walsall said it was a club that played good football and that it's a family club with great fans.

"I really liked that and I really like the family side of the club. This is a great club to be at. It feels right being here.

"Now I'm working hard to cement my place in the first team because I want to help the club as much as possible."

McCarthy has seen a host of top stars come through Southampton's academy over the past few years.

Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw and Theo Walcott are just a few of the players who have gone on to represent their country and play Champions League football.

The young centre-back admits it's a great place to learn your trade, adding: "Southampton have been brilliant with me.

"They have made sure I've had a really good grounding. As a club, they are looking more and more to use the loan system to enable young players to get experience.

"That is the route I am taking. It's one I am embracing and I'm really looking forward to the challenge of this season."