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Southampton's Alex McCarthy is taking centre stage at last in FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley

Alex McCarthy has been on the Wembley bench four times without ever getting on the pitch; for Reading, England and current club Southampton (twice).

Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea should be fifth time lucky as he bids to become only the third English goalkeeper to win the famous trophy this century.

McCarthy has played the last 18 games for Southampton, conceded only one goal in four FA Cup ties and was part of Crystal Palace's team when they upset Chelsea 2-1 in the league at Stamford Bridge in 2015.

Alex McCarthy will take centre stage at Wembley on Sunday when Southampton play Chelsea
Alex McCarthy will take centre stage at Wembley on Sunday when Southampton play Chelsea
He has been a Saints regular this season, but has been on the bench four times at Wembley
He has been a Saints regular this season, but has been on the bench four times at Wembley

'Part of the plan was to wind up Diego Costa because he had such a short fuse,' he recalls.