SCOTT CARSON could not hide his delight ahead of his first Premier League appearance for a decade – and then saved a penalty.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper was a surprise name on the team-sheet for Manchester City’s 4-3 thrilling victory at Newcastle tonight.
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Carson last featured in the top-flight in May 2011 for West Brom – ironically against the Magpies at St. James’ Park.
Carson, who won four England caps earlier in his career, moved to the Etihad from Derby County two years ago.
But the veteran has only been deployed as third-choice stopper until he was given the nod today by boss Pep Guardiola after City wrapped up the title earlier this week and the Champions League final on the horizon.
And despite conceding three, Carson saved Joe Willock’s spot-kick in the second half of the seven-goal rollercoaster, although the Toon midfielder did manage to slot home the rebound.
Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Carson said: “I’m over the moon to get a chance to play.
“There was a chance I could have played last season but Ederson was going to the Golden Glove.
“I’m delighted… I thought my Premier League days were over, but thankfully I never gave up and I’ve got my chance tonight.”
Carson added: “Of course, I was surprised, but since I’ve been here I’ve just tried to work as hard as I can and be there if needed.
“Thankfully the manager has seen that and given me a game tonight.”
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It has been a whopping 3645 days since his last match in the top-flight.
And that means his is now the longest gap between appearances for a goalkeeper in Premier League history.
Guardiola said beforehand: “It’s good for Scott. He’s been with us a long time behind the scenes and helped us a lot and it’s a pleasure to let him play.
“Everyone wants him to play, because he’s an important part of our group in the locker room.
“Many things, as a character and personality, he sees the truth in everyone. Everybody loves him so much, and we wanted to let him play and be part of this success.”
Carson burst onto the scene at Leeds as a youngster before he was signed by Liverpool.
After loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Aston Villa, the Whitehaven-born ace joined West Brom and spent three years at the Hawthorns.
A two-year spell in Turkey with Bursaspor followed before two campaigns at Wigan led to his switch to Derby in 2015.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
