TREVOR Carson, the Hartlepool United goalkepeer, has not given up hope of making his international debut next week.

Carson was an unexpected starter for Pools in their win over Cheltenham, after being on the bench for Michael O'Neill's side in their World Cup qualifying win over Aberjaizan on Friday evening.

But, after making a save from a Harry Pell shot against his former club, the keeper disolocated a finger and was forced off. 

Northern Ireland face Croatia in a friendly at Windsor Park on Tuesday eveing, and the keeper could be given a run-out - when he would become Pools' first international cap since Ambrose Fogarty made one appearance for the Republic of Ireland in the 60s.

Speaking after the win, boss Craig Hignett said: “Trevor has a dislocated finger, been sent to hospital, but Trev being Trev thinks he’s OK for Tuesday. He could be playing some part in it, but he hopes he’s going to be strapped up and be able to play.''

He was replaced by Adam Bartlett this afternoon, and the substitute made a fine save to keep Pools in the lead, when he made a one-handed stop after Toto Nsiala diverted a shot at his own goal.

Hignett said: “Adam’s save was unbelievable, a wayward shot that Toto miscued and you think it’s into the top corner.

“When you’ve a keeper on the bench, then comes on and saves like that it shows how good he is.''

Of the win, Hignett added: “It was excellent, from the start we were all over them from the first 25 minutes.

“It was disappointing we didn’t get a goal, but let them back into it a bit and to score when we did was perfect.

“We settled them down in the changing room because we have scored and conceded too quickly too often this season, but we were determined to see this through.

“We carved them open and had chances with interplay and passing and we have to be ruthless. I was delighted to win 2-0, but if we are really ruthless we get four or five.’’