Trevor: I’ve just made grandaddy of all debuts
First Northern Irish cap topped Tredvoary: MI hyeGlpraendapwaapsasomperoeutdKI eano got my first cap it even topped day he met KEeUaAnNeM...cILEoAwNe him so much
TREVOR CARSON had already given his grandad enough reward for backing him throughout his career the day he got to meet his Manchester United hero Roy Keane.
But his pride at watching the Motherwell keeper shine for Northern Ireland last week topped the lot.
Carson earned his first cap in the 2-1 friendly win over South Korea.
No one was prouder than Ken Savage, his grandfather sitting in the main stand at Windsor Park watching his big moment.
That was all the reward he needed for the years he put into helping Carson live his football dream, including the day Ken lived one of his own.
Carson said: “That feeling last week – in the warm-up just taking it all in, then the national anthems and seeing about 25 or 26 of my family behind the dugouts – was a bit emotional.
“At home when we all sat down it was good to talk about the sacrifices we’ve all made to help me achieve a day like that.
“I could write a book about the amount of stuff my granda has done for me. He would drive up and down the country, and while we’re not a rich family by any stretch, they always seemed to find money for me to get boots and gloves and go on trial.
“We’re from a village 45 minutes outside Belfast and when I was nine or 10 and started to go on trials at clubs he drove me everywhere, down to Dublin for Man United trials for example.
“He got halfway back after dropping me off, and it is a three-hour drive back to our local town, but I had forgot my bootbag in the back of his car.
“Being my granda, he just turned around and drove the extra hour-and-a-half to drop my boots and gloves off.
“The United scout at the time, Dave Keswell, brought him in and gave him his dinner and his soup. He was made up because the Republic of Ireland team were staying at the same hotel and he got to meet Roy Keane and players like that.
“My mum was also incredible, whatever she can’t give with money she gives with love. But my granda has been my idol. Right up until I was 10 or 11 he would stand behind the goals and tell me when to leave my line and come out for the ball.
“He was a keeper too and played semi-professional. He got two B caps which he keeps telling me about. He’s my biggest fan and my biggest critic as well.
“I was buzzing after the Northern Ireland game but the first thing he said was my kicking could have been better! It was emotional seeing him after the game but the League Cup semi-final against Rangers was the big one. “I remember coming into the lounge after the Rangers game. He never hugs you, kisses you or tells you he loves you – but he put his arms around me, gave me a big hug and he was in tears. “Last week he was relieved I went out there, played quite well and didn’t look too out of place. That was definitely a better reward than meeting Roy Keane.” Carson will be out to make him proud again today when Well face Rangers. Defender Cedric Kipre can play after his red card against Celtic was downgraded on appeal. That was one of five red cards Craig Thomson has dished out against Well this season but boss Stephen Robinson wouldn’t have a problem if he was in charge of another game involving his side. He said: “I don’t have any problem with Craig in any way, shape or form. It’s a coincidence Craig has sent off five of our players. “I don’t decide who referees our games and I wouldn’t try to dictate that.”