DUFC

STEPHEN CARSON DEBUTS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

15th November 2001

United's Stephen Carson made his debut for Northern Ireland in a challenge match against English Third Division side Macclesfield Town yesterday. Stephen played the full ninety minutes and must have impressed Manager Sammy McIlroy as the former Rangers player had a hand in both of his country's goals.

United Team Boss Alex Smith already knew Stephen was in good form having been on target for the Under-21's recently and then being promoted to the bench against Dunfermline last Saturday. "Steven has been doing the business on the park for our Under-21 team recently and I brought him into the first team squad on Saturday and I thought he did quite well when he came on."

Stephen felt that he had done okay on his international debut. "I set up the first goal for Warren Feaney who was a teammate at St Andrews Boys Club in Belfast when we were kids, as was Danny Griffin. I also played a part in our second goal and thought I had a good ninety minutes and I hope I impressed the manager."

The United winger wants to take his current rich vein of form into the first team. "I hope to be involved this Saturday and will try to produce the goods at club level".