European Play-Off would be cherry on top of historic season for Carrick: Danny Gibson

Stuart King’s side sit in seventh position and are on the brink of securing a Play-Off Semi-Final.

Carrick are three points ahead of Dungannon Swifts, but Rodney McAree’s men have a better goal difference and can snatch a Play-Off duel at Crusaders if they win at home to Ballymena United and the Gers lose at Glenavon.

But it’s out of their hands, and Carrick, who have won three on the bounce, will be focused on finishing seventh in the top-flight for the first time in the club’s history.

Carrick will use the Ballymena Showgrounds rather than the Loughview Leisure Arena if they do secure European football through the Play-Offs.

“We have hit the most points and wins targets but still have to secure seventh, which Carrick have never done,” said Gibson.

“It will be tough at Glenavon, but confidence is high and the changing room is buzzing. With one more big push, we can get our last target.

“All the boys would be thrilled to make a Play-Off Semi-Final. I felt it was a realistic target for us.”

The 28-year-old’s 20 goals in the 2023/24 season have helped fire the Gers to the top of Section B, and a seventh-placed finish would be a stunning achievement.

“I’m absolutely delighted with my form.” he said. “Stuarty told me I would play most of the games, and I felt if I could get a good run of games for someone who believed in me, I would definitely score goals.

“I had a target of 20 goals and I was confident I would hit it. I probably could be on 25 if I was more clinical, but I’m happy to perform at this level.

“Everyone has been brilliant with me, I would say it’s the best I’ve been looked after at a club.

“Stuarty has been super, and it’s a pleasure to play for him. He’s passionate and loves the club, a great guy and manager.

“He actually came in for me earlier in my career, and I regret not moving then.

“I had a hard time at Glentoran and just couldn’t get playing on a consistent basis.

“I have done what I said I would do at Carrick, which is score goals. Hopefully, I am coming into my prime years.”

Boyhood Glens fan Gibson takes no pleasure in seeing the Glens endure a turbulent 2023/24 campaign.

“I grew up supporting the Glens all my life, but some fans weren’t happy when I scored against them,” he added.

“I do hope they come back and fight for trophies.

“I just want to give my all and play every week for a manager who believes in me. I’m really enjoying my football at Carrick while having family and business commitments. Full-time football does not suit every player.

“It’s 11 v 11 on a Saturday, and I’m a big believer that the harder you work on the pitch, the more things drop for you.

“The League is getting better and tougher every year, which makes our progress more impressive.”