Emotional Carson is toran between two clubs
GLENS TIE A TRIBUTE TO GRAN
Trevor Carson won’t just have to keep the ball out of the net on Thursday against Glentoran.
The Motherwell keeper will also have to keep his emotions in check.
A Eu ropa L ea g ue qual i f ier against the Northern Irish side doesn’t sound very glamorous.
But the 32-year-old grew up in the County Down village of Killyleagh – and Glens were his local team.
This tie also reminds him of the relationship he had with his grandparents Esther and Ken.
Ken is Carson’s mentor, inspiration and harshest critic when he needs to be.
He was a keeper himself with Glentoran and has had a massive influence on his grandson’s career.
Ken would have been at Fir Park on Thursday night if it was not for Covid-19 restrictions.
And the family felt the full devastating impact of coronavirus earlier this year when Esther lost her life as a result of it.
So when Carson lines up before kick-off in midweek, he’ll take a moment to think of them both. And he’s determined to make his grandad proud by ensuring Well win through to the next stage.
Carson said: “Sadly, I lost my granny in the summer and she was a massive Glentoran fan.
“When I rang my granda after the draw, the first thing we spoke about was how things work out.
“It is massive for me. I watched Glens as a kid and played games for Northern Ireland Under-21s at their ground.
“I was very close to my gran. With everything going on, I never got the chance to say goodbye. “She was in hospital for 11 days with no visitors allowed. It was a horrible time for everyone.
“She had a real soft spot for Glens. Granda was a keeper too and once got a Northern Ireland B call-up.
“I’m where I am today because of him, he’s my inspiration.
“My grandparents were together for nearly 60 years. It was their wedding anniversary last week.
“With the scrutiny we’re under now as players, I can’t visit my family. So it’ll be nice to catch up with everyone when it’s all over.
“And for my family, it’s certainly nice to play against Glens. It will be an emotional tie for us.”
Carson revealed how Ken has had an impact on his career. He said: “He paid for every pair of boots and gloves I had growing up. He stood behind the goal when
I was playing, giving me help and the odd kick up the a**e when I needed it.
“He was brilliant. Even now, if my granda says I’ve done alright in a game, that’s all I need to hear.
“He’s watched all of our games this season and says I look as confident as ever. That has given me a big lift.”
Carson is back as Stephen
Robi nson’s undisputed No.1 after recovering from deep vein thrombosis in 2018 then losing hi s place to Mark Gillespie.
Playing in
Europe will be the latest feather in his cap.
He said: “There were times when I doubted myself. But my family kept me positive.
“Playing in Europe is something I haven’t done in my career.
“Togo from relegation into the Conference with Hartlepool, to playing in cup finals, international caps and now playing in Europe, is beyond my expectations.”
I was very close to my gran I never got chance to say goodbye