Parkhall College re-Josh!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Joshua Carson: goal against Scotland for Northern Ireland U-16s.
A YOUNG Parkhall College pupil from Antrim is being tipped as the next David Healy, following fantastic performances for the Northern Ireland Under 16 squad.
Joshua Carson (better know to his friends at Josh), from Milltown Road, has set the pitch alight in recent games for Northern Ireland in the FA Victory Shield, and has attracted interest from a host of English and Scottish Premier League clubs.
A goal against Scotland in the UK home nations competition helped Northern Ireland to a creditable draw against Scotland at Dundee on Friday night, in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
And his school coach has predicted that the 15-year-old soccer sensation will one day play for a top English club and the Northern Ireland international team in future European Championships and World Cup tournaments.
Glenn Martin, head of PE at Parkhall College, described Joshua as a 'brilliant player', who is currently considering his future football career path.
“There's no doubt that he was the best player on the pitch at the game last weekend," he told the Antrim Guardian.
“His second-half goal helped make sure the team stayed afloat, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him."
So far, the Northern Ireland Under 16s have had a difficult run in this year's Victory Shield, despite the glittering efforts of Joshua, as the team were beaten 6-0 by England in their opening game in Ballymena.
Despite that defeat, however, Joshua was given the honour of captaining his country.
However, thanks to the Antrim teenager's displays, the boys are on course for a mid-table position, and aiming for a win against Wales at Mourneview Park in Lurgan at the end of this month.
“We will be organising a coach of supporters to cheer Joshua on," continued Glenn.
“We are very proud of him, and of course happy that he is Parkhall's own Under 16 captain.
“He is very coachable and modest about his own skill, and several big name clubs have him in their sights thanks to his sterling performances on the pitch.
“I can also see him stepping out for Northern Ireland several years down the line.
“Many famous names, including David Healy himself honed their skills playing for the young Northern Ireland team in this tournament.
“And I fully expect that Joshua will follow in Healy's footsteps and become one of Northern Ireland's brightest footballing talents."
