The midfielder's dramatic goal-line clearance in stoppage-time on Sunday launched North End into the play-offs just as much as room-mate Sean St Ledger's winning goal at the other end.

And now Carter, who at the tender age of 18 scored the deciding penalty which put Birmingham up to the Premier League in a play-off final seven years ago, is hoping he can play a similar starring role for PNE as they enter the end-of-season knockout tomorrow.

"Football is a funny old game and I have had all the emotions this year like frustration, anger and everything else," he said as he prepared to face Sheffield United in the semi-final first leg at Deepdale.

"But now I've got back into the team it would be great to finish the season on a high."

Carter is the first to admit things have not gone according to plan in his second season with Preston.

Sunday's 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers was only the eighth time he had started a Championship game this term.

But he played a key role in securing the three points which, against all the odds, proved enough to put North End into the shoot-out.

And now, with Lee Williamson suspended for the two semi-final games against the Blades, Carter has a great chance to grab some glory at the end of a great year for the team but a less-than-satisfying one for him personally.

"Not many things in my career have come close to that goal at the Millennium Stadium in 2002," he said.

"It was obviously a great feeling, coming so early in my career. It is always nice to have that in your history and be able to look back on it.

"If I could get anywhere near replicating that and getting the emotions and feelings I got from that day I would be very happy."

Full story in Thursday's Lancashire Evening Post

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