Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola told reporters for the BBC how everybody at the club loves Scott Carson as the Derby County man made a surprise start on Friday.
Carson joined City on loan from Derby in the 2019-20 campaign.
The former England international arrived as third-choice behind Ederson and Claudio Bravo, and last summer he extended his deal at the Citizens for another season.
Carson has taken up a similar role to that previously of Rob Green at Chelsea and Lee Grant at Manchester United – an experienced back-up who can also be a mentor.
But City’s Premier League triumph provided a rare opportunity for Carson to come in and make his league debut for the champions, ten years after his last top-flight appearance.
Speaking before City’s 4-3 win at Newcastle United, Guardiola was full of praise for Carson.
“Everyone wants him [Scott Carson] to play because he is an important part of the group and the locker room. Everybody loves him so much and we wanted to let him play and be part of the success. I asked if he was ready to play and he said, ‘yes of course’,” Guardiola explained.
The Spaniard went on to say how the Derby man is a real leader at the Etihad Stadium, and he showed against Newcastle how he can still perform at the top level.
Derby moved Carson out following Frank Lampard’s season in charge.
Lampard replaced the 35-year-old with Kelle Roos midway through the campaign, and the Rams seemingly decided to move him on as they looked to cut their wage bill.
Roos and David Marshall now battle for the number one spot at Pride Park.
Carson’s contract at Derby expires next month. It’s possible City will look to sign him on a free transfer, with U23 goalkeeper James Trafford ready for a loan deal away.
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