Carson loan excites O'Neill
10 Aug 2007 - 16:08:01
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is pleased to have landed Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson on a season-long loan but does not expect to ever be able to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis.
The former Leeds United shot-stopper spent last season on loan with Charlton Athletic and O'Neill thinks he has what it takes to be one of the best keepers in the Premier League.
He told Villa's official website: "I'm really delighted. I think he's got the potential to be an absolutely top-class goalkeeper.
"He's had the year's experience down at Charlton last year, where he did very well. He's carried that on with the England Under-21s and he's ready. With those experiences he now obviously wants to play.
"Liverpool have made it abundantly clear that they do not want to sell him and they've mentioned that for quite some considerable time. Their stance has not changed, so a loan is a compromise.
"In an ideal world I would have preferred to have had our own players on a permanent basis, but we have him for the year and I'm absolutely delighted.
"I asked about Scott some weeks ago and Liverpool's position has never changed. I'm delighted that they've allowed him to come and I'm obviously very pleased that he has."
Carson, who has made only nine-first-team appearances for Liverpool, played 38 matches for Charlton last season.