Scott Carson torn between Liverpool and England
Jul 20 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL keeper Scott Carson admits he’s torn between his Anfield and England ambitions as he ponders an uncertain few weeks before the transfer window closes.
Carson recognises he’s number two to the well established Pepe Reina, and manager Rafa Benitez has made it clear he has no intention of selling the young deputy.
Numerous Premiership clubs, including Aston Villa and Manchester City, are understood to be keen to sign Carson – widely seen as the next England number one – but even a mega bid might not tempt Benitez to sell.
Carson, who signed a new five-year contract last summer, says he would ideally like to remain at Liverpool, but wants to be sure he’ll get first team opportunities.
With next year’s European Championships on his mind, the keeper isn’t sure what his immediate future has in store.
“I’m delighted to be back at Liverpool, but we’ll have to see what happens,” said Carson, who spent last season on loan at Charlton.
“It’s going to be difficult for me if I’m always on the bench, but I’ll have to see what the manager’s ideas are and take it from there. He’s told me how much he wants me at the club and he wants me to fight for my place. I’ll play games in the cup.
“Ideally, I want to play for Liverpool. That’s why I signed. But it’s not going to be easy to get the number one jersey from Pepe. He’s done exceptionally well.
“I’m not going around saying I should be playing ahead of him because, being honest, I don’t think I should be.
“I’ve not heard about any clubs being interested in me but there are a few weeks left in the transfer window and the boss knows it’s not good for me if I’m just sitting on the bench or playing two or three games a season.
“He knows I need to play games this season. The big thing I need to take into consideration is the European Championships. If I’m not playing I may not even be in the England squad, if we qualify.”
While there will be sympathy for Carson’s predicament, Benitez’s concern will be the quality of his squad, not England’s European campaign.
The young keeper is the perfect understudy.
Even if Liverpool received a huge offer, the club would then face difficulties finding a suitable replacement.
Either way, the £750,000 Liverpool paid Leeds for the young keeper two years ago is looking like shrewd business as he’s now rated in excess of £6m.
Jul 20 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL keeper Scott Carson admits he’s torn between his Anfield and England ambitions as he ponders an uncertain few weeks before the transfer window closes.
Carson recognises he’s number two to the well established Pepe Reina, and manager Rafa Benitez has made it clear he has no intention of selling the young deputy.
Numerous Premiership clubs, including Aston Villa and Manchester City, are understood to be keen to sign Carson – widely seen as the next England number one – but even a mega bid might not tempt Benitez to sell.
Carson, who signed a new five-year contract last summer, says he would ideally like to remain at Liverpool, but wants to be sure he’ll get first team opportunities.
With next year’s European Championships on his mind, the keeper isn’t sure what his immediate future has in store.
“I’m delighted to be back at Liverpool, but we’ll have to see what happens,” said Carson, who spent last season on loan at Charlton.
“It’s going to be difficult for me if I’m always on the bench, but I’ll have to see what the manager’s ideas are and take it from there. He’s told me how much he wants me at the club and he wants me to fight for my place. I’ll play games in the cup.
“Ideally, I want to play for Liverpool. That’s why I signed. But it’s not going to be easy to get the number one jersey from Pepe. He’s done exceptionally well.
“I’m not going around saying I should be playing ahead of him because, being honest, I don’t think I should be.
“I’ve not heard about any clubs being interested in me but there are a few weeks left in the transfer window and the boss knows it’s not good for me if I’m just sitting on the bench or playing two or three games a season.
“He knows I need to play games this season. The big thing I need to take into consideration is the European Championships. If I’m not playing I may not even be in the England squad, if we qualify.”
While there will be sympathy for Carson’s predicament, Benitez’s concern will be the quality of his squad, not England’s European campaign.
The young keeper is the perfect understudy.
Even if Liverpool received a huge offer, the club would then face difficulties finding a suitable replacement.
Either way, the £750,000 Liverpool paid Leeds for the young keeper two years ago is looking like shrewd business as he’s now rated in excess of £6m.
Obviously it's in his best interests to leave, but i hope he stays.
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