Carter doubts better goal will arrive over career having picked up Pompey accolade
DESPITE being aged just 22, Hayden Carter doesn’t expect to emulate that glorious strike during the remainder of his career.
And, such was its breathtaking execution, he departs Pompey clutching the 2021-22 Goal of the Season Award.
It was March when Carter strode forward to unleash a fierce right-footed effort from 25 yards in a 3-2 success over Oxford United.
Unsurprisingly, that maiden Blues goal prompted his entry onto a shortlist of three at Sunday’s evening’s End of Season Dinner in Fratton Park’s Victory Lounge.
Those present at the glittering ceremony were asked to choose between Carter, Marcus Harness (Rotherham) and Ronan Curtis (Charlton).
And it was the defender who triumphed ahead of his Blackburn following an impressive Blues loan.
Carter told The News: ‘When the ball came out to me, I had time to take one touch and they (Rotherham) were slow coming out, so I thought I’d take another.
‘Then I heard shouts of “Shoot” from the crowd and thought why not! I’m not in that position very often, so I might as well, and just put my foot through it and hoped for the best.
‘Usually I’d try to pick out a pass or cross it back in. Thankfully I listened to the crowd on that occasion – and I don’t think I’ll hit a ball like that again in my career.
‘Certainly it’s my first goal from outside the box, all the rest have been scrappy tap-ins or headers, so I think it will take some beating.
‘It was so satisfying after what had happened at Oxford the previous month. We owed them one because everything was against us on the day. To get revenge – and the win – that night at Fratton Park was brilliant.
‘I had hoped my goal would be shortlisted, especially after somehow missing out on March’s League One Goal of the Month nominations, which I wasn’t happy with.
‘So I was delighted to win it for Pompey – and thanks to everyone who voted on the night.’
Carter made 22 appearances scoring, of course, one goal during a profitable Pompey loan spell.
He admits he would consider a south coast return and operating at League One level with Pompey next season.
But securing his place in the team at parent club and Championshiop outfit Blackburn remains the long -term priority for a centre-back with plenty of years ahead at the age of 22.
He added: ‘I’ve loved every minute of it at Pompey and it’s the best I have played in terms of being on the ball and stepping in.
‘At Burton on loan there was a lot more digging in, winning headers and tackles, whereas at Pompey I was able to show my abilities on the ball with beating players and my passing.
‘That’s the best first-team football I’ve played. Thankfully I did well and it can only help with my career in the long run.’