Carson: ‘I’m champing at the bit to get back playing’

COLERAINE winger Josh Carson speaks to Jonathan McNabb ahead of his return from a three-match suspension…

Carson – who was dismissed for a late tackle on Marcus Kane last month – has had to sit out the victories against Ballymena United and Linfield, as well as the League Cup defeat against Crusaders.

However, the 24-year-old admits he is ‘buzzing’ to be back from suspension and hopes to hit the ground running on his return.

“I am buzzing to be back as it’s been a long frustrating time for me,” Carson said.

“It has taken a long time for 3 games to be played due to international call-ups.

“I’m just champing at the bit to get back into the team and get playing again.”

The former Northern Ireland international has heaped praise on his team-mates for their great run of form in his absence, and believes the squad will bounce back from the defeat at Seaview.

“The lads have been flying and credit to them for getting the wins against Ballymena and Linfield,” Carson added.

“I thought we were strong, resilient and ran over the top of Ballymena and were fully deserving of the points.

“Against Linfield, we battled hard and fair, and maybe we got the luck with that so called ‘ghost goal’ but that’s part and parcel of the game.

“Last Tuesday night, we had a few bumps and bruises, but we we have the personnel to cope with that and we deserved more than what we got, but that’s football.

“That result won’t slow us down and we won’t hesitate on it.”

Next up for the Stripes is this weekend’s clash against Cliftonville (KO 3pm), and Carson is expecting a ‘difficult game’ at Solitude.

“This weekend will be another difficult match for us,” Carson acknowledged.

“I personally expect Cliftonville to come out all guns blazing because they have been on the back of a few good wins.

“However, no matter what form Cliftonville are in, it’s always going to be a tough game.”