By Albatross
February 19 2004

The news on Strachan isn't as bad as it could be - he won't need an operation after injuring his knee. However, he will miss the next month; maybe partly because of this Cooper has agred a deal to bring in Northern Irish midfielder Steven Carson for the rest of the season. Although it's good news that an operation isn't required, Strachan is still going to be out of action for a spell; he'll probably miss six or seven games, during which time Cooper will have to fill the hole as best he can. And that may be where our new signing - winger Steven Carson - comes in.

23 year old Carson started his career with Linfield in his native Northern Ireland, before moving onto Rangers in 1997. He made his debut for the Ibrox club as a late substitute in a League Cup game, but never really made a breakthrough - his only start for the club came in an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at home to Dundee, and he was withdrawn at half time.

Dundee United were impressed enough with his abilities to pay out 150K for him at the start of 2001/2, but although he made more appearances - 18 that season, compared to just four in his years with Rangers - he still found himself on the bench more often than starting games. After just two starts and five sub appearances last season, he departed Tannadice in the summer.

The winger eventually found himself another club by signing for Barnsley in September; he made a good initial impression for the Tykes, but despite making 13 starts (including against Pools on Boxing Day) and four more sub appearances, gradually faded from the picture as the Yorkshire club signed more players. He was released at the end of last month, when the club decided not to renew his monthly deal.

Following a trial (including playing in yesterday's reserve game) he has been given a deal that will keep him at the Vic until the end of the season. He will be available to face Blackpool tomorrow, although he may well have to settle for a place on the bench. Normally a left winger, he will provide more competition for Richie Humphreys, and also gives Cooper more options in midfield - he may decide to move Humphreys inside to partner Tinkler in Strachan's absence.