Trevor Carson first came up against Celtic No 1 Joe Hart when the pair were just wide-eyed teenagers looking to make a name for themselves.
And even at that young age the St Mirren shot-stopper could tell the former England and Manchester City star was destined for the big time.
Just one year younger than Hart, Carson played against the 35-year-old Hoops star at an Under-19 European qualifying tournament in Belgium almost 20 years ago.
The now experienced pair’s paths will cross again in Paisley on Sunday, with Carson hoping to repeat the feat and come out on the winning side at the SMiSA Stadium having kept a clean sheet in the Buddies’ impressive 2-0 win against Celtic in September.
The Saints keeper admits he still looks up to Hart after watching his incredible career exploits on the big screen, as well as seeing his resurgence between the sticks first hand in Scotland.
Carson told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “I played against Joe when I was with Northern Ireland Under-19s. It was in a European qualifying tournament out in Belgium when we had England in our group.
“So, I knew of him from a young age. One of my close pals was a goalkeeper in those England squads and always told me to watch out for this young keeper.
“I remember going to watch Kyle Lafferty one time when he was on loan at Darlington. Joe was only 17 and playing for Shrewsbury. I remember coming away thinking that keeper was a bit special.
“Lo and behold it was Joe and he went on to join City and to win Premier League titles and so many caps for England.
“I have nothing but admiration for him and of course you look up to people like that. It was quite surreal playing against him the first time up here as it’s only six or seven years since he was playing at World Cups, wearing the England No 1 jersey and winning premier leagues.
“Now all of a sudden he’s up here and we’re playing against him. What a nice guy he is, though. He always takes the time in the tunnel to ask how you are, and not just with a throw-away, “how are you?”.
“He’s genuinely such a nice guy and someone I’ll look back once I’m finished and be able to say I played against him when you watch World Cup highlights.
“He’s a fantastic keeper and massive for how Celtic play. He’s brought that winning mentality.”
After a difficult end to his Man City career, Hart is starring for Celtic. Carson knows how tricky it can be for a keeper when they’re not the flavour of the month for club or country – but he’s not surprised to see Hart shining again.
Carson said: “He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but it can be hard playing in that Celtic team. You don’t get an awful lot to do in domestic games.
“But the fact he’s not in the papers every week for throwing one in or being a weak link is probably enough for any Celtic keeper.
“You saw in the past with Vasilis Barkas, there were question marks over him and he was hitting the headlines all the time. Joe is not, which speaks volumes.
“He brings a calming influence. He’s one of the best – if not the best – in the league.
“You don’t play that many times for your country if you don’t have big shoulders. It’s a poisoned chalice playing for England. He made mistakes for England but came back. That doesn’t surprise me.
“He’s gone on to revive his career. It will be a new lease of life winning trophies. Maybe there was a time he thought that might be the good days over. It just shows you in football things can change quickly.”
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
