Brunt takes captain's role

14 January 2011 14:28
Midfielder replaces dropped Carson Chris Brunt will replace the dropped Scott Carson as Albion skipper against Blackpool. Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo chose the Northern Ireland international after he decided to bench club captain Carson after his poor run of form. The Italian says that Brunt has matured both as a player and a person during his time as head coach and believes the midfielder is a natural leader. "Chris has matured a lot in the time I've been at the club," the former MK Dons chief said. "He's become a very consistent player. "He's got a great personality and is very well respected. "I think he is a natural captain." Brunt’s promotion comes after Di Matteo decided to stick with Boaz Myhill in goal after his impressive show at Reading in the FA Cup. It will be the former Hull man’s first league start for the Baggies after his summer switch from the KC Stadium.   "I've decided I'm going to give Boaz Myhill a chance on Saturday," he added. "I thought he did well on Saturday in the cup and he will be in goal. "Scott is very disappointed. "He is club captain as well and it is the first time he has been left out. "But it is something he needs to get through, put his head down and work himself up again. "It was a difficult decision. "But I needed to give Boaz a chance. "He's worked hard in training, he played well in the cup and he did enough to convince me he deserves a chance. "Only time will tell if Scott comes back stronger for it. "But he's still a young boy and I'm sure he will get through it. "With a keeper it's a bit different because they don't get as many chances to play as the outfield players. "But when someone deserves a chance, I'll give them the opportunity."

Source: FOOTYMAD