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Jason McCarthy’s back-to-back awards force him into contention for next season

By Chris Hughes

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Jason McCarthy of Walsall in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Walsall at Sixfields on September 10, 2016 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Jason McCarthy of Walsall in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Walsall at Sixfields on September 10, 2016 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) /
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After winning Walsall’s Player of the Season award last week, Jason McCarthy has given those at his parent club Southampton a lot to think about.

Last night Saints under-23’s lost to Manchester City’s respective squad, meaning the side finished 6th at the end of the Premier League 2 season. The likes of Sam McQueen and Harrison Reed featured, two of latest off the academy conveyor belt at the club.

But arguably the brightest star plies his trade away from the south coast, with Jason McCarthy winning his second award in as many seasons for his efforts at League 1’s Walsall.

The campaign before that the 21-year-old did the same whilst on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, where his 35 league appearances and two goals from the back were enough to secure his side a mid-table finish.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Southampton captain Jason McCarthy lifts the trophy after they win the Under 21 Premier League Cup Final Second Leg match between Southampton and Blackburn Rovers at St Mary’s Stadium on April 20, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Southampton captain Jason McCarthy lifts the trophy after they win the Under 21 Premier League Cup Final Second Leg match between Southampton and Blackburn Rovers at St Mary’s Stadium on April 20, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

This time around the centre-back did it again, as a shining light in what was a slightly disappointing Walsall campaign. The year before they reached 84 points and were narrowly away from automatic promotion, but this year finished 14th.

However McCarthy has been stellar for the Saddlers this season, playing in each and every league game for the side, scoring five times. Having scored the only goal in the game against Bolton and one of two in a 2-1 win over Gillingham too, his side are four points better off thanks to his efforts.

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His brace in January’s match-up against Bury also got his team a draw, meaning he’s in fact won his side five points through his goals alone – without his effort against Sheffield United his side would’ve still won 3-1.

Of the talented group of young players at Southampton McCarthy was the captain of the under-21 side that won the Premier League Cup final in 2015. He was given the armband ahead of now-first team players  McQueen, Matt Targett, Reed and Josh Sims.

The young centre-back played every single minute of Walsall’s 46 league games this season and has shown leadership abilities from a young age. He might not necessarily be a starter next season but he seemingly deserves to stay at the Saints.

His triumphs at Walsall show his maturity as a player and in the modern age of football it takes something for a defender to win a club’s Player of the Season award – not to mention doing it twice at two separate clubs.

Think Jason deserves his place among the Saints’ first team players next season? We want to hear your thoughts on Twitter – let us know at @SaintsMarching_!