Carson is City’s special secret

FORMER England goalkeeper Scott Carson has been hailed as the secret influencer behind Manchester City’s impressive defensive record — despite not playing for two years.

City have conceded just three goals in 12 games despite regular No1 Ederson missing the last couple of matches at Chelsea and Manchester United, with American Zack Steffen stepping in.

While record signing Ruben Dias and John Stones have won acclaim for their partnership at the back, manager Pep Guardiola says the presence of 35-year-old Carson has been vital and wants the Derby loanee to stick around at The Etihad. ‘Scott Carson is like our captain behind the scenes, like a Fernandinho, he is so important for us,’ said Guardiola.

‘He is not noticed in the papers and not noticed on the field because he is a third keeper. But in the locker room, he is like another captain. Hopefully he can stay longer with us in the next years.’

Guardiola’s words indicate City will now try to sign Carson on a permanent basis.

Ederson is now back in training after self-isolating, leaving Guardiola with a choice between him and Steffen in terms of who plays against Birmingham City in the FA Cup third-round tie today.

There are also likely to be changes at the back with Aymeric Laporte hoping for a rare opportunity. Rated as the best defender in the country two seasons ago, the Frenchman has completed 90 minutes in only seven Premier League games since suffering a knee injury in August 2019.

Sergio Aguero is expected to start as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. He is the only survivor from the last City 18-man squad to face Birmingham in 2011.