Trevor Carson eyeing Northern Ireland recognition after moving the Motherwell
Trevor Carson aims to propel himself into the Northern Ireland reckoning after moving from Hartlepool to Motherwell.
The 29-year-old is a Northern Ireland B international and has been in several full squads without making his debut.
However, the goalkeeper feels the Ladbrokes Premiership can be the springboard for further recognition.
Michael McGovern became a hero at Euro 2016 on the back of his performances for Hamilton while Alan Mannus plies his trade at St Johnstone.
Carson, who signed a three-year deal, said: "Hartlepool made me an unbelievable offer to stay so I did speak to people to make sure it was the right move.
"I spoke to Michael McGovern and Liam Boyce and lads that have played up here. Everything they say about the place and the exposure they get, it was a no-brainer for me.
"There's no better example than Michael. He has been in and around international squads the way I was.
"All of a sudden he was playing in the SPL every week and the other two keepers weren't playing and (Northern Ireland boss) Michael O'Neill will say himself, that was the only reason Michael got in.
"Ever since then he hasn't looked back. That's all through him backing himself and having faith in his ability.
"People down in England probably don't understand the level up here and the exposure it gets, but I do because I see how many lads in the Northern Ireland squad are playing here and how well they are doing."
Carson joins the likes of West Ham's Darren Randolph, England international John Ruddy and Middlesbrough's Connor Ripley in becoming the Motherwell number one in recent years.
"I have looked at the history of the club and players that played here," said Carson, who is reunited with Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson, O'Neill's former assistant with Northern Ireland.
"I was away with Connor Ripley last week and he spoke so highly about the club.
"Ruddy and Randolph, since they came here, their career has propelled. And there is no doubt Connor will kick on and go to those heights.
"I want to kick on in my career, but the only way I will do that is to do well with Motherwell. The manager is putting together a young, hungry team and the team is going to do better for that.
"I was in a few squads with the manager, and I know his standards. His training sessions are top-drawer and that was one of the main factors in coming here, his ambition and buying into the whole project."