West Brom: Scott Carson's glowing endorsment from Robert Di Matteo

Dec 19 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Sunday Mercury

SCOTT Carson has received a glowing endorsement from manager Roberto Di Matteo.

The Baggies manager has been pleased with the way Carson has matured as a player and a person, both on and off field, since assuming the captain’s armband last season.

Carson replaced Jonathan Greening, who left for Fulham, helping the club to promotion.

Di Matteo has been impressed with how Carson has responded to the responsibilities.

“I didn’t know the squad too well when my previous captain left for Fulham,” said Di Matteo.

“So I made a decision and I wanted to have a captain who was respected in the dressing room, preferably English and someone with experience.

“Scott has been capped by England, playued in the top league for a few years and so I decided to give him the captain’s armband. It’s been good for him.

“He’s taken on the responsibility on the field but he also has duties off the field.

“I think he’s also learning to be a captain and we often forget how young he is.

“It has helped him to mature and understand what responsibilities he has a captain.” Carson, as a goalkeeper remembered for a high-profile mistake, can often be an easy target for hecklers and critics.

But Di Matteo has admired the player’s ability to bounce back from slight lapses.

“You want a goalkeeper to be calm, commanding and save you lots and lots and lots of points,” he added.

“Yes he’s made some mistakes but generally he’s been very positive.”

Carson said criticism or praise no longer affected him.

The days of the England keeper poring over newspapers or watching analysis of his performance from ‘experts’ are long gone.