In the latest edition of ‘behind the shirt’ safc.com speaks to youngster Carl Lawson.
D.O.B: 1/10/94
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Carl, first of all, how did you get into football?
I used to play football with my dad and from a young age I went to watch games with him. He was the man that took me to my first training session in Silksworth and from there I loved it so kept going back.
From there you got pick up by Sunderland and have since risen through the ranks at the Academy of Light - what are the main assets you bring to the team?
I would say I like to link-up play and bring others into the game. I like to create goalscoring opportunities high up the pitch and be clever in and around the box.
While your career is merely starting, what is your greatest achievement so far in football?
It has to be the day I was offered my professional contract after completing my two-year scholarship.
If you could pick one, what is the best goal you have scored?
For my school in a inter-house game, we had just kick off after they had equalised, I saw the 'keeper off his line and decided to lob him from the half-way line - he wasn't best pleased!
What's the best game you've played in?
It was a couple of years ago now, but the best game I have played in was Hartlepool away in a pre-season friendly. All the young lads came on at 0-0 with 30 mins left and we went on to win 3-0. It was made even more special because I scored the first goal.
Who do you look up to at the club?
John O'Shea. His experience is just phenomenal. He has had a great career and won so man trophies trophies. He is a great role model for anyone starting off a career in football.
Having completed the process yourself, what advice do you have scholars just starting out?
You need to do things right, stay positive because one minute your flying and the next minute things aren't going for you. You need to deal with things in the right way and give it your all when you get the opportunities.
And finally, what are your targets for the future?
I would love to one day play first-team football and show people what I can do as young player.
