TREVOR CARSON found himself at rock bottom due to his love affair with gambling.

Now the St Mirren keeper would like to make sure other players across Scotland don’t fall into the same trap.

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The Northern Irishman has been honest in the past about his addiction, that saw him spend his daughter’s birthday present cash at the bookies.

While he hasn’t had a bet in eight years after attending Gamblers Anonymous, Carson, 35, believes more has to be done to make sure the next generation of players don’t go the same way.

He said: “Going to Gamblers Anonymous saved me. I went to a meeting with 12 ordinary people and I sat and listened to their stories. That night changed my life.

“I had hit rock bottom, my marriage had broken down, and I was spending all my money on gambling.

“I made a lot of bad decisions, my daughter had moved back to Newcastle with her mum and I had a lot of time on my hands.

“But I didn’t need anyone to force me to go. I knew I needed help. It was the best decision I ever made.

“I don’t preach to the boys because I don’t like when people do that to me. I hate it if someone throws it in your face.

“At the same time I don’t want to say to someone who is having a bet that they shouldn’t do it.

“I have been off gambling for eight years, and I have been in dressing rooms and have seen some red flags with some boys. I have then spoken to them about it.

“I don’t speak to them about their situation, but I talk about my own issues and where it took me.

“Then I hope they would take what I said on board and take it as a warning after what happened to me because of gambling.

“If someone came to me and asked for advice I would tell them my story and where gambling can take you. It is just horrible.

“I know some people can have a bet once a month and they have that discipline, but I didn’t. I had an addiction.

“I am over eight years off gambling, but I know I am only one bet away from starting again. I couldn’t just bet on the Grand National for example and that would be me. If I did that one bet it would soon be spiralling out of control again.

“Of course, it is rife in football as we have so much time on our hands. You have young guys with disposable income and the temptation is there. It is everywhere you look now.”

Carson admits he would be happy to work alongside PFA Scotland to share his experiences with fellow players.

He added: “I’d love to tell my story to youth teams.

“It isn’t just about the gambling, they need to teach people how to use their money, and how to spend it wisely and invest it.

“I’ve helped boys in the international team. Kyle Lafferty and I helped each other. They say that you are an addict for life and that is certainly true.”

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