Liverpool FC

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Carson set for Reds chance

22 Jun 2007 - 15:32:08

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed Scott Carson will be part of his first-team plans next season.

The England Under-21 international had suggested during the recent European Championship that he may have to leave Anfield to fulfil his international aspirations.

But Benitez has reassured Carson - who spent last season on loan at Charlton Athletic - that he will compete with Jose Reina for the number one jersey next season.

"I was speaking to Scott recently and I told him he will be part of our first-team squad next season," he told the club's official website.

"He must fight with Pepe Reina now for a starting place. We knew when we fought off Chelsea to sign him he was a talented goalkeeper.

"He got some good experience last season and now he is coming back to us."

Carson, 21, has started only nine games since signing for Liverpool in a £750,000 deal from Leeds United two years ago.

Earlier in the week he had admitted he could leave Merseyside in a bid to play more first-team football.

He said: "I think you can only get in the England squad when you are playing games regularly, but we'll have to wait and see what happens next season and take it from there."

Referring to his plans for next season, Carson added: "Nothing is sorted as yet. I'm just concentrating on the tournament at the moment."