Trevor Carson: Massive campaign for Motherwell keeper who hasn't played competitive Steelmen game since November 2018

Following the departure of regular number one Mark Gillespie to Newcastle United this summer, Carson – who has recovered from a long term ankle injury and deep vein thrombosis over the past two years – is Motherwell’s first choice keeper again.

He said: “I’m absolutely over the moon for Mark (getting the transfer to Newcastle). He deserves it, his form was outstanding.

“Last season people including my family were saying: ‘You should be playing’ with a biased view.

“But Mark’s been great. I think that sort of vindicates it to me when he gets a move to a Premier League club.

“I can sort of go back and say: ‘I told you so’.

“It’s a dream move for Mark. Even last year he would say that if someone had said he was going to get a move to Newcastle he would have called them mental, but it’s unbelievable for him.

“He’s such a great guy. He sent me a lovely text at the end of the season about how well I’ve been with him.

“I have nothing but respect for him. Don’t get me wrong, there were times when I wished I could stick the boot in him so I could get a game last season!

“But to work with he was great and I wish him all the best.”

Carson’s competition between the sticks this season will come from new keeper Scott Fox (33), who has joined on a one-year deal after leaving Partick Thistle.

“Foxy is a really good keeper,” Carson said.

“He has bags of experience and it’s going to be a challenge.

“But we are a team playing in Europe and finished third in the Scottish league so you’re going to have competition all over.

“It’s no surprise to me that the manager has brought someone of that calibre in.

“I’m just happy from speaking to the manager that the ball’s in my hands this season.

“It’s my jersey to lose, whereas last season you were relying on injuries, loss of form but at least this season I know it’s up to me.

“I’m a bit of a control freak in general life so my fate’s in my hands now.

“There’s been a lot more downs than ups for me in the last couple of years.

“It’s just been about staying positive. It’s hard when you’re not playing and even if I kept a clean sheet last season you know you are not going to play, no matter how well you do in training.

“As a goalkeeper you’re judged on your form on a Saturday and Mark never really gave me a sniff in terms of how consistent he was.

“Even round about January/February time when I signed a new contract, there were no promises that I would be number one this year.

“But now we’re getting closer to this season I have a different feel every day when I drive into training.

“My confidence is back, I’ve got that focus again in terms of where I want to be in my career.

“Whereas last year it seemed a bit doom and gloom for me. When you go a long time without playing you start fearing the worst in terms of your career.”