Although Southampton have won back to back matches under the guidance of interim manager, Tonda Eckert, it's painfully clear that their biggest problem is between the sticks.
After an impressive pre-season, Gavin Bazunu was reinstated and the Southampton fanbase held their collective breath.
Bazunu under Russell Martin had enabled the team to play out from the back but it was always risky. He was unlucky to miss the end of the promotion winning season through injury.
In the Premier League, Southampton brought in Aaron Ramsdale meaning Bazunu was shipped out on loan to Standard Liege where he struggled before picking up another injury.
Southampton's best goalkeeper isn't even at St Mary's
Ramsdale turned in some good performances at Southampton but injured a finger at an important point in the season. He was a pundit on television for the defeat by Tottenham that prompted Russell Martin to be given the sack.
McCarthy, on the other hand, might consider himself unlucky not to have started the season as number one. He was in possession of the jersey for the play-off final in 2024 and only the arrival of Ramsdale forced him out of the side.
McCarthy has always been a decent keeper but his best days are probably behind him. As a number two, he might be able to deputise if needed, but he's not a first choice keeper. Brought back in to the first eleven after Southampton's drubbing at the hands of Hull City, McCarthy conceded 10 goals in just 7 games.
Bazunu has been brought back to the starting lineup by Eckert and despite the two wins, the Republic of Ireland international's performances have been very suspect. Against Queens Park Rangers, he got things horribly wrong for Ranger's goal and against Sheffield Wednesday he conceded a soft goal from a long range shot.
If Southampton are going to get themselves back into contention at the top end of the table, they must recruit a decent goalkeeper. And, they must be prepared to spend the money.
Sport Republic owe fans a marquee signing
James Trafford is a name that has been banded around in the press with Southampton and Leicester City supposedly interested in taking the England goalkeeper on loan for the rest of the season.
Although the move makes sense, with Trafford needing to play regularly if he is to remain in contention for a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, St Mary's might not be his ideal destination.
Trafford's early season form for Manchester City prompted Pep Guardiola to coax Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG and the Citizens form improved almost immediately.
There are few signs that the £50,000 a week keeper will be tempted away from City for a Championship club. Should a Bundesliga club come in for him, that might be different.
Sport Republic owe the fans a marquee signing after the debacle that they have overseen so far. The £5 million loan fee and the saving on Aaron Ramsdale's £100,000 per week salary should rightfully be invested back into the squad and in the position needed.
Going all in for Trafford may not pay off in january, but at least it is a clear sign of intent from the board.