Mick McCarthy said he was proud of his players after watching Town hold Premier League high fliers Southampton to a draw at St Mary’s. 

Darren Ambrose gave Blues the lead on 19 minutes but Morgan Schneiderlin’s equaliser sets up a replay at Portman Road on Wednesday, January 14. 

“The players were fantastic. We had to withstand a fair bit of pressure but you’d expect that coming here,” said the Town boss. 

“It was a good performance, certainly from the defensive side we were very good and I’m very proud of the players. 

“I joked with the lads after the game and said ‘well done, that was the last thing we needed’. It was said tongue in cheek, why can’t we have a good cup run and keeping going in the league. We want to continue our good run.

“We were delighted for Darren. It was a great header. TC has been working with him on getting into the box and getting on the end of things so that’s why he came over and shook his hand when he scored. 

“We had a few players out there who were running on empty but they kept going and we can look forward to a replay now but first all I’m concerned about is Derby next weekend.”

Mick also paid tribute to the 5,500 travelling Town fans, adding: “They were great and it’s fantastic to enjoy that support. I had to take into consideration how many were making the trip when I looked at our team.”