Worthington: Carson's So Confident
Tuesday, 24th May 2011 00:57

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has praised Town midfielder Josh Carson’s confidence ahead of his full international debut in this evening’s Carling Nations Cup game against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin (Sky Sports One/HD1 7.30pm). Blues defender Damien Delaney has been named in the Republic of Ireland team.

Worthington has been a regular visit to Portman Road this season and has been impressed with the youngster: “Josh Carson I have seen a few times and he's always performed well. He'll get his first cap and it'll be good for him and good for us.

“For a 17-year-old he's very confident in his own ability and very assured on what he can do.”

Departing Town defender and Northern Ireland skipper Gareth McAuley, whose move to West Brom was officially confirmed yesterday, believes his former team-mate has a big future: “He's a lively little player.

“Quite direct, will run at people and likes to get on the ball. He played the last eight games and scored three goals, and that's not bad for a raw kid in the Championship.

“He’s got a lot of potential and he’s an exciting prospect, one for the future. He's a good lad, he's driven and he loves Northern Ireland, so it's good to have him in the squad.”

Former Linfield, Ballyclare Comrades, Crusaders and Coleraine player McAuley feels his move into the Premier League should be an example to some of his international team-mates: “For the young lads from the Irish League that are in this squad, if they've got ambitions to move and can work hard, the proof is there that you can get the rewards.

“Getting away from Coleraine and getting across was the first step, then it was getting the head down and working hard to keep improving.”

After his spell in Northern Irish football, McAuley was with Lincoln and Leicester before joining the Blues for a fee of £1.1 million in the summer of 2008.

Northern Ireland: Blayney (Linfield),Thompson (Watford), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), Hodson (Watford), Carson (Ipswich Town), Clingan (Coventry City), Davis (Rangers), Gorman (Wolves), Feeney (Oldham Athletic), McQuoid (Millwall).

Republic of Ireland: Given (Manchester City), McShane (Hull City), Delaney (Ipswich Town), Kelly (Fulham), Wilson (Stoke City), Lawrence (Portsmouth)/Coleman (Everton), Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Fahey (Birmingham City)/Foley (Wolves), Treacy (Preston North End), Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Cox (West Brom).

Photo: Action Images

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footyblue added 02:00 - May 24 Well if he runs at Delaney, it will be a tough night for Delaney!!!!!!!
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DoobDude added 08:21 - May 24 Pedant Alert: McAuley should have Ipswich next to his name, we are still paying his wages until the end of the month.
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WeWereZombies added 08:22 - May 24 Gareth McAuley - Is flitting around from club to club really the beat example to young players? I know Linfield were never going to win the Eurpoa League but this tendency to impermanence is disturbing and, hopefully, a temporary phase that may not be the right economic or moral choice for a player. It certainly is not the best strategy for supporters.
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PhilTWTD added 08:48 - May 24 DoobDude Technically you're right and did ponder what to put but didn't seem right to put him down as a Town player given that he's been pictured holding up another team's shirt.
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pazelle added 09:13 - May 24 Before that shock start did anyone know anything about Carson? Kudos to Jewell for bringing him through and good luck to Josh tonight!
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bluelady added 09:21 - May 24 pazelle agree, think he would have made it at some point but without jewell giving him the break he would i doubt be playing tonight.
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brian_a_mul added 10:08 - May 24

I think McA is a good example for young players traveling from Ireland.
Many people (mainly supporters) believe that if you dont find yourself at a big club by 21 than forget about it and return back home. McA has helped show them their is a good career on offer if you work hard and make the right moves.
Its not as if he is a journey man player, he got the break at Lincoln, did well and earned a contract at a higher level with Leicester. Again he did really well and moved up another level to Ipswich (at the time Leicester were a struggling club with cash issues). He again did very well (winning many personal awards) and has earned the right to play PL.

Best of luck to him.

Good Luck to Josh too + Delaney!