BURY’S on-loan goalkeeper Trevor Carson reluctantly returned to his parent club Sunderland at the weekend after signing off with a brilliant save which preserved a precious clean sheet – his second in three matches – and helped the Shakers to their first win in 13 matches.

If the Shakers can preserve their League One status in the remaining six matches, it looks certain the likeable Ulsterman will return to Gigg Lane next season.

“I’m delighted with the clean sheet and the three points,” Carson said after the 2-0 win over Ronnie Moore’s Tranmere Rovers.

“But I am disappointed I can’t make any further contribution in the next six games, which are massive. I’ll be coming to all the home games and going to a couple of away games in the next few weeks.

“If we keep showing the attitude we showed against Tranmere we’ll be fine.”

Carson and his manager Richie Barker were unwilling to discuss his possible return in depth, but the indication is that, if Bury are still in League One, they may have the financial clout to make the goalkeeper’s move permanent.

“I want to come back next season 100 per cent,” said 24-year-old Carson. “I have really enjoyed it here, but let’s get over the finishing line and stay in this league and, hopefully, I’ll come back, because that’s what I want.”

Meanwhile, Carson paid tribute to his team-mates for the determination which saw Tranmere – previously unbeaten in Moore’s first six matches in charge at Prenton Park – defending their two-goal lead and modestly shrugged off the importance of his own brilliant save from Danny Holmes with 11 minutes remaining.

“It was nervous enough winning 2-0, I wouldn’t have wanted it to get back to 2-1, but that’s my job,” he said. “I had one save to make in the whole game. The lads in front of me were outstanding. Everyone was making blocks and putting their bodies on the line.”