TREVOR CARSON believes a revival in Motherwell’s fortunes can lead to his reinstatement as Northern Ireland’s first-choice goalkeeper in time for the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.
Carson has lost his place in Michael O’Neill’s side to Leeds United youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
However, the Fir Park stopper reckons a turnaround in fortunes for Motherwell can help him reclaim the No.1 jersey.
Well ended a miserable six-game winless run on Wednesday night with an impressive victory over St Mirren and they are looking to take care of Dundee today to continue pulling away from the danger zone.
Carson said: “It’s disappointing to have lost my place but the young lad Peacock-Farrell is playing at Leeds, top of the Championship and flying so I don’t have much of an argument.
“Our form and being at the bottom of the league probably hasn’t helped and I’m sure if we were up the top things might be a bit different but hopefully combined with my performances improving and the team picking up a few results it will give me a better chance.
“It’s still a long way to go before the Euros and hopefully I can get a couple of opportunities to stake a claim.
“It was huge to win on Wednesday. We were going into this week knowing how big these two games were and to get that win at St Mirren on Wednesday sets us up nicely for Saturday."
Boss Stephen Robinson feels the win in Paisley will be a turning point in Motherwell’s season and they can show the form that led them to both cup finals in the last campaign.
He said: “We’re hoping the win against St Mirren will give the boys a bit of confidence.
“We played really well, we showed a lot of composure, something we haven’t done that much at Fir Park so far.
“That happens with young players when results aren’t going your way. You tend not to take a touch and your decision-making becomes a bit rushed.
“So we’re hoping they can take Wednesday’s performance into the game with Dundee.
“Of course, there was a sigh of relief on Wednesday night but we had been playing well in the games that we lost.
“Teams were having one or two shots and winning the game and could see the confidence and belief drain a little bit.
“When you get an early goal, as we did on Wednesday night, then it settles you down.
“This week was always about pulling away from those below us. We knew it was a very important week to get back on track again.
“The target was six points by the end of the week and I believe we can achieve that.”
Robinson is set to keep faith with exciting teenager David Turnbull who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Robinson said: “We haven’t started any contract negotiations yet. David has only just got in the team and we have really, high hopes for him.
“We think he could go on to be a really good player but we have to temper that with a bit of reality.
“He’s a very good young player who will have ups and downs – as all young players do.
“We’ll look after him and keep developing him and, of course, he’s a big part of what we’re doing going forward.”
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