Jason McCarthy has dedicated his first senior goal to his parents after the 20-year-old scored in the 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

McCarthy’s strike came at the start of the second half as he bundled the ball over the line from a yard out after a set piece had caused panic in the Wimbledon defence.

The defender set off on an impassioned celebration that saw him run all of 70 yards to celebrate with his mum and dad who were part of the travelling Wanderers’ fans.

McCarthy said: “I ran straight to my mum and dad and I wouldn’t be where I am in the game if it wasn’t for them.

“The amount of money they have spent on petrol and things to get me to training and matches over the years has got me here.

“I owe it all to them and that is why I wanted to celebrate with them and it was a brilliant feeling to score my first goal.”

Having arrived on loan from Southampton in October McCarthy has become an increasingly important member of the Wanderers defence.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth has been full of praise for the youngster’s adaptability throughout his stay that has seen acclimatise quickly to the rigours of League Two football.

McCarthy’s celebration saw him not only embrace his parents but also be swarmed by the Wycombe fans and Ainsworth feels the moment was testament to what it means to play for the club.

“It is outstanding when you see a player on loan from a Premier League side score a goal like that and then celebrate the way he has done,” Ainsworth explained.

“It shows people what it means to play for Wycombe Wanderers now. That celebration alone is something to be proud of. To see how far he ran my worry was he would tire himself out.

“We had a little high five but I think he wanted to get to the fans and your first professional goal will always be one you remember.”

The goal came a week and a half after McCarthy agreed to extend his stay at Adams Park until Sunday, 3 January.

It was the perfect way to mark the commitment that will mean McCarthy will continue his development with the club which has shown great faith in him over his short stay.

He was quick to highlight the strong relationship he shares with Ainsworth and is relishing his chance to get game time that he feels is essential for any developing centre-back.

“100% the manager has had a big part in me wanting to stay here. He is always talking to me and we have a really good repore,” he said.

“I love how he works and he is one of the best managers and people coaches I have worked with and was a massive part of me wanting to kick on with Wycombe.

“I have learned that Wycombe is such a brilliant club and I’m over the moon to stay. I think when you are young it is important to come out and get game time in whatever league you can.”

That experience looks like it may come at right-back over the remainder of his stay as an injury to Joe Jacobson has forced Ainsworth to reshuffle his back four.

Wherever he plays though McCarthy is just delighted to be getting the minutes he believes will help him join the ranks of Southampton talent to make the step up to the senior team in the future.