MARCUS Carver is aiming to ‘prove any doubters wrong’ after signing a new one-year contract with Accrington Stanley.

The Reds striker, 21, spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Barrow AFC who he helped win promotion to the top flight of non-league football.

And Carver, who has also spent time on loan at Marine, AFC Fylde and FC Halifax Town in previous seasons, said: “I am out to prove any doubters wrong.

“Some might be questioning why I have got another contract here but the gaffer has had enough faith in me and I want to prove to him I am worth it.

“The gaffer has seen something in me and I just need to get a run of games under my belt.

“I have another year as a professional footballer and hopefully I will get my chance in the team and score more goals.”

Last season Carver scored the first League goal of his career, a wonder goal at home to Carlisle United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, and his first FA Cup goal, before finishing the campaign on loan with Barrow.

Carver was part of the Bluebirds squad which won the Conference North and he hopes the title success will spur him on with Stanley.

“With Barrow, it’s the first time I have won promotion and it was a great feeling,” said Great Harwood-born Carver, who has his championship-winning medal hung up in his house.

“I was playing out on the wing for Barrow and made eight assists and it was a great experience . I hope I can enjoy more promotions.

“Looking forward, it is a big season for me. I have been at Accrington for six years now, since my youth team days, and for the last few years, I have been on the fringes of the first team and every year wondered if I will get a new contract and thankfully I have.

“Every year in which I have been in the first team, I have improved my goal tally – I got none in my first year, one in my second season and last season, I got three. Now hopefully I can improve on that.”