Carson feels sting in a tale of two keepers

SPARE a thought for poor Scott Carson, who once again has much to think about and much he would like to forget. Not only was England manager Fabio Capello present to witness yet more shortcomings on Saturday, he also had to watch David James, his biggest rival for an England shirt, excel at the other end.

Carson, on loan for the season from Liverpool, is already famous for ensuring Steve McClaren will be haunted forever by Niko Kranjcar’s tame long-range shot somehow squirming into his net on the night England failed to secure the draw with Croatia that would have ensured qualification for Euro 2008.

McClaren, having jettisoned Paul Robinson, had ignored James to give the rookie his unexpected opportunity. Capello, who has nothing but friendlies on the immediate horizon as a direct consequence, is unlikely to make the same mistake.