BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl has opted to drop keeper Alex McCarthy and recall Fraser Forster for tonight’s showdown at Everton.

The Saints boss has named McCarthy on the bench for the clash at Goodison Park and recalled Forster for the first time in the league since January.

The last time Forster featured in the Premier League was in the St Mary’s side’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool – he came in after McCarthy was self-isolating due to a COVID-19 test.

That was the last time Saints sealed a victory in the top flight.

Nathan Tella also drops to the bench as Saints make three changes in total – Oriol Romeu is ruled out with a season-ending ankle problem.

Danny Ings and Moussa Djenepo are recalled by Hasenhuttl.

Saints XI: Forster; Bednarek, Vestergaard, Salisu, Bertrand; Ward-Prowse, Armstrong; Djenepo, Redmond; Adams, Ings.

Subs: Stephens, Ramsay, Chauke, Jankewitz, Ferry, Watts, Tella, N'Lundulu, McCarthy (g/k).