Marley Watkins turned out for a second time for Cardiff City during this pre-season campaign on Tuesday night.
The one-cap Wales international played in the 5-0 drubbing of Bath City earlier in the summer but the intensity was ramped up again during the clash with Premier League opposition Southampton.
It prompted many to believe that City were on the verge of signing the former Bristol City and Norwich City forward, who has been without a club since leaving the former earlier this summer.
Mick McCarthy said he was pleased with how the player performed in the first half against Southampton, but made no guarantees over signing the free agent.
"The answer to that is I'm not sure," McCarthy said after the match.
"Marley asked if he could come in and train. I've known Marley a long time, I like him, he played at Barnsley and had a very good time.
"He's had a couple of injuries which have restricted him.
"I said, 'Look, you can come in and train' and, to be honest, with our lack of numbers it's been good to have him.
"I thought he did alright in the first half. But there's no promises on anything.
"But I thought he started the game really well. He did OK."
The Bluebirds have recruited free transfers James Collins, Ryan Wintle and Mark McGuinness already this summer, while Ryan Giles has penned a season-long loan deal in the Welsh capital.
McCarthy certainly appears happy with his lot, too, because he reiterated once again that he believes the Bluebirds' business to be done for the window.
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"You can see there's not much action going on in the transfer market.
"I thought Mark McGuinness was the pick of the bunch today, he's played very well. I've no doubt he's going to be a very good player for us.
"Ryan Wintle, he's got a groin [injury], but he's done well. James Collins got a rest today, but he's got four goals and done well.
"But I don't see much action in the transfer market with us.
"We'll be going with pretty much what we have."
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