Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy has launched a hilarious defense of Southampton manager Nathan Jones.

The two coaches met in the FA Cup fourth round, with Romain Perraud scoring twice to give the Saints the win.

The pair bumped into each other post-game, with the Daily Echo then asking McCarthy about the topic of conversation.

“I shared a moment because I've spent my life barking at him, when he was at Charlton with the 23s or when he was with Brighton," McCarthy explained.

“We've had arguments, Nathan and I. But I've always liked him and respected him, his team at Charlton, the 21s, were a different class. They were well-coached and ran around.

“The job he had done at Luton was fabulous. I've sent him a few messages recently because of the results he's had, and that's the reason why, because I like him. I respect him, and I think he's a really good coach," he added.

“I was delighted when he got this job, and I hope he keeps them up, for him. I have no affiliation to Southampton or 91 other teams for that matter while I'm at Blackpool. But for him, I hope he does it because he proved his worth.

"He got the Stoke job, which didn't go well, and then went back to Luton, dragged them out of poverty almost and nearly got them promoted and left a great squad for Rob Edwards now.

“That's why we had the moment. Not because the two of us are in the s**t."