Carson deserves NI call-up: O'Hare
COLERAINE goalkeeper Davy O'Hare has called on Nigel Worthington to consider Stephen Carson for a Northern Ireland call-up.
The hugely gifted winger continues to shine in the JJB Sports Premiership, but international selection has so far eluded the 28-year-old.
Worthington reaffirmed his commitment to the domestic game last week by selecting Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus and Derry City midfielder Niall McGinn for next Wednesday's friendly with Hungary at Windsor Park.
The international boss is not afraid to dip into the Irish League to bolster his squad, with Blues midfielder Michael Gault and Glentoran striker Gary Hamilton also earning call-ups in recent months.
But for O'Hare, one glaring absentee has been former Rangers winger Carson, who is now in his fourth year with the Bannsiders.
"Stephen doesn't seem to get the recognition he deserves in our league, or at international level. He doesn't get included or spoken about in the same breath as Gary Hamilton and Michael Gault who are quality players," O'Hare said.
"Depending on what players are available for Northern Ireland, Stephen definitely has the ability to perform at that level. And if you are talking about Irish League players representing Northern Ireland then Stephen Carson should be involved.
"In my opinion he is the best player in our league yet there are others getting the nod ahead of him.
"Obviously there are gifted players in England and Scotland who are at a higher level and deserve their places in the international set-up, but if they are not available, and you are looking to bring other lads in, then Stephen has more than enough quality to play international football.
"Maybe the fact Stephen plays for Coleraine means he doesn't get the recognition he deserves, but he never complains – he just gets on with things and that's starring week in, week out for Coleraine."
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 15 February 2012
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