GOALKEEPER Alex McCarthy insisted he has not thought about his future as he nears the imminent end of his Saints contract.

McCarthy, whose deal is set to expire this summer, may have rounded out his eight-year St Mary's stay with promotion back to the Premier League. 

The 34 year old kept a clean sheet and made a key save as Southampton won 1-0 over Leeds United at Wembley.

Asked by the Daily Echo about his future, the former England international said: "I haven't thought about that, to be honest.

Daily Echo: Southampton celebrated promotion back to the Premier League at WembleySouthampton celebrated promotion back to the Premier League at Wembley (Image: Richard Crease)

"My main goal was to get this club back to the Premier League. On a personal level, to come in and play the games I have has been a massive positive for me.

"I will go away in the summer, spend time with my family and see what happens in the future."

Manager Russell Martin has been complimentary of McCarthy since his rerun and insists he is keen to keep the experienced keeper. 

He has been linked with several Premier League clubs and sides abroad having returned to the Saints lineup last month.

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Asked if he hopes Southampton will table a new deal, McCarthy said: "I honestly haven't thought about that.

"I just wanted to play these games and get the club back where they belong. I will sit down and speak to my representatives and see where we are next season."

McCarthy admitted that this has been a largely frustrating year due to his lack of regular football for the bulk of the campaign. 

The former Reading man had not made a league start until last month, when he came in to replace the injured Gavin Bazunu, despite not being in the initial squad.

"Things change very quickly in football. On a personal level, it was frustrating not playing. When you train so hard, you want to play games," he explained.

"It was frustrating but it is just the way I am as a professional. I always train to the best so that I can and support the boys as much as I can.

"That is part and parcel of being a footballer. I kept my standards every day. On a personal level, it was a perfect ending," he added of the season. 

"It was a good way to go out. I'm buzzing for the club, I'm buzzing for the boys to be back where they should be.

"Next season is another season. Since Russell has come in, he has changed so much at the club. He has brought something different to the club.

"I think you can see that by the way we have performed. I think we will do very well next season.

"We were very fragmented the year before. The way he has come in and brought everyone together - he has been a breath of fresh air."