The 21-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding campaign since joining the Saddlers on loan from Premier League Southampton back in June.

McCarthy has played every minute of every game for Jon Whitney's side having cemented his place on the right side of defence.

And the youngster admits he is pleased with the progress he has made since moving to the Banks's Stadium.

"I have been really pleased with the progress I've made this year," McCarthy said.

"It's been nice to come out on loan and play in my preferred position. At times Southampton felt I might move into centre-back. But I feel comfortable on that right side – it's been another great season and I'm near where I want to be now.

"It's been nice to start adding goals to my game. It's something I have always looked to do from right-back.

"Scott Laird has been a massive part of that. I used to get into a lot of positions but I would over complicate it or look for a cross.

"But Lairdy has told me to back myself and shoot. It's always in the back of my head now when I get into those positions, I can hear him saying 'shoot.'"

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McCarthy says he was always excited about joining Walsall but revealed his time with the club has exceeded his own expectations.

"It has lived up to my expectations and surpassed them," he continued.

"It's been nice to play with such a talented group of players.

"We are such a footballing side and it's been a pleasure to play with my teams mates every week and learn from them.

"Some of the results over the past few weeks have been frustrating because we know as a group we can push higher up the table.

"There are still six games to go and anything can happen. We are going to keep going and see where these six games takes us. We want to finish the season strong. We are determined to finish on a good note."