Carroll Plays Twice In 24 Hours

Yesterday Notts fans both across the world and at the Ricoh Arena where surprised to see the addition of Roy Carroll to the starting line up. He achieved the unexpected by making his way to the stadium in time to pass a fitness test and to report to the management team.

He had featured in Northern Ireland's 2-0 defeat to the hands Romania on the 14th,, however not put off or wanting time to relax. Roy proceeded to make his way to Coventry in time to be selected.

The 37 year old, managed to get all the way to Coventry in time to replace Fabian Spiess who was expected to start.

Roy Carroll the replacement for Bartosz Bialkowski, caught a flight from Romania to London's Heathrow Airport at 7am. The veteran keeper than collected his car, drove up the motorway to the Ricoh Arena and reported to the Notts County coaches and manager Shaun Derry declaring himself fit to play.

Notts chairman Ray Trew praised the dedication of Roy Carroll by saying, “Shaun Derry spoke of his desire to get the right sorts of player in this season and I think what Roy has done for this club today shows exactly what the Manager meant.”

Ray told the official site “These guys have put their bodies on the line and challenged for every ball in every match this season and we have reaped the rewards, so whilst I would like to praise every player who took to the field this afternoon, I have to reserve special praise for Roy because I know what it meant to me, but more so I know what it meant to our supporters and he has my heartfelt thanks for what he has done”.

At 37, it's quite the achievement to feature internationally for any nation which speaks alone. However, to play two games in two days it says a lot about the desire and dedication to feature as part of the cause to the side he's quickly emerging as the “signing of the season”.

Notts secured victory over Coventry when Garry Thompson netted the winner and only goal in the 72' minute – Full Match Report Here.