Carson aims to make impact.

Byline: By James Hunter

Trevor Carson has set his sights on forcing his way into Sunderland's Championship squad after signing a professional contract on Wearside, (writes James Hunter).

The 18-year-old goalkeeper came through the Black Cats' academy system and has recently signed a one-year professional contract.

Now Northern Ireland Under-19 international Carson is keen to establish himself as the regular deputy to first-choice keeper Kelvin Davis.

He will be helped by the fact that Sunderland released out-of-contract third-choice goalkeeper Joe Murphy earlier this month, and he has already joined Scunthorpe United.

And last season's No 2, highly-rated England Under 19 keeper Ben Alnwick, has handed in a transfer request with Spurs understood to be keen to bring him to White Hart Lane.

Carson said: "It's good to get things sorted and it's my aim to push on now.

"I'd like to push for the No 2 spot next season."

Carson was one of two Academy players to be offered professional contracts this summer, the other being defender Peter Hartley.

Carson has just returned from international duty with Northern Ireland, where he played in the Under-19 European Championships.

Northern Ireland were knocked out in the elite stage, finishing third in a four-team group behind Belgium and Serbia & Montenegro, but above England.

Northern Ireland went into their final group game against Belgium knowing that a win would have seen them qualify for the finals tournament in July, but they ended up losing 3-2.

Carson said: "We lost the last game 3-2. We would have qualified if we had won it.

"We were 2-0 down, got it back to 2-2 and then conceded another one.

"It was disappointing but we weren't expected to reach this stage. It was a good experience for us all.

"Nine of the squad, including Carson, are still eligible to play in next year's tournament so this should stand us in good stead."