West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Carson has received a glowing endorsement from manager Roberto Di Matteo.
The boss has been pleased with the way Carson has matured as a player and a person, both on and off field, since assuming the captain’s armband last season.
Carson replaced Jonathan Greening, who left for Fulham, and helped guide the club to promotion.
Di Matteo has been impressed with how Carson has responded to the responsibilities.
“I didn’t know the squad too well when my previous captain left for Fulham,” said Di Matteo. “So I made a decision and I wanted to have a captain who was respected in the dressing room, preferably English and someone with experience.
“Scott has been capped by England, played in the top league for a few years and so I decided to give him the captain’s armband. It’s been good for him.
“He’s taken on the responsibility on the field but he also has duties off the field. I think he’s also learning to be a captain and we often forget how young he is.
“It has helped him to mature and understand what responsibilities he has a captain.” Carson, as a goalkeeper remembered for a high-profile mistake, can often be an easy target for hecklers and critics.
But Di Matteo has admired the player’s ability to bounce back from slight lapses.
“You want a goalkeeper to be calm, commanding and save you lots and lots and lots of points,” he added. “Yes he’s made some mistakes but generally he’s been very positive.”
Carson said criticism or praise no longer affected him.
The days of the England keeper poring over newspapers or watching analysis of his performance from ‘experts’ are long gone.
“I don’t buy into over analysing,” said Carson. “I think you can over analyse things too much.
“If I have a good game I don’t rush off to watch it and if I have a bad game I don’t depress myself or go and hang myself in the video room.
“I just try and do things the same way - whether I’ve played well or played badly.
“In the past I used to look at the papers, watch the game on TV – it used to play on my mind. I just avoid it now."
Carson believes his form has improved this season, despite a sticky start at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the season when he shipped six goals.
The 25-year-old claims that experience has been key to his development.
“I feel good but that gave me a kick up the backside and it’s going well," he said.
“I’ve always said I want to play consistently well and I think I am now. That’s the biggest thing for a goalkeeper – no point being man of the match one week and poor for others.
"I’m in my fourth season of playing in this league and there are going to be ups and downs but I’m happy with my form. For me to be playing in my fourth Prem season at 25 is something I’m proud of.”
