‘Injury’ tag dogs Allan Carville

Press, 24 April 1987, Page 64

‘Injury’ tag dogs Allan Carville

By

GARY BIRKETT

The highly rated Christchurch soccer striker, Allan Carville, who has made a splendid start to his national league career, is hoping to shake off his “injury prone” tag. Carville, aged 24, stayed clear of serious injuries until last year, when he underwent a cartilage operation. He is still troubled by fluid building up on his right knee, and it requires draining about once a month. To compound his troubles a spate of niggling injuries have also hampered his game. “I can’t believe the run I’ve had with injuries in the last two years. Before the cartilage I didn’t have any problems,” he said. True to form Carville was injured during Christchurch’s 2-0 win over Mount Maunganui last Monday, colliding with the goalkeeper in the process of scoring the second goal. He suffered a nasty

shin gash but expects to be fit for Sunday’s Air New Zealand league clash with Napier City Rovers at Queen Elizabeth II Park. . "I’m determined not to miss any games with injury this year. I’m enjoying the higher standard of soccer and team spirit is building up really well,” said Carville.

The speedy Carville has scored three times in five games, and has impressed with his ability to create chances for his teammates. He was a prolific scorer in regional league soccer until he signed for Christchurch this year, and will be a key player as Christchurch seeks to win the championship. Carville has struck up a fine understanding with his fellow striker, John Hanson, who returns to the team after suspension. Christchurch is lying third equal in the league with - Napier and Manurewa, and the coach, lan Marshall, is pleased with the progress Christchurch has made in the

last two weeks. “Beating Papatoetoe and Mount Maunganui has done a lot for our confidence and we are finding our feet after a slow start.” Mr Marshall said Napier’s impressive, 1-0, win over Wellington United last week-end showed it was a very capable team, and one that would be no pushover. Napier has a number of quality imported players, notably the former Chelsea defender, Gary Locke, who has made over 300 English first and second division appearances. Another player to watch is the former Hearts professional, ; Gary Parker. He netted 40 central league and cup goals last season in just 24 games. Parker, an excellent allround sportsman, has also been a Scotland schoolboys rugby representative and a Scotland under-19 cricket player.

The match will kick off at the earlier time of 1.30 p.m.