Di Matteo backs Brunt as skipper

14 January 2011 14:00
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has hailed Chris Brunt as the "natural" choice to lead the Baggies against Blackpool. The Italian decided on Thursday that his regular skipper, goalkeeper Scott Carson, would not be involved on Saturday after a string of indifferent performances and the impressive display put in by his deputy, Boaz Myhill, against Reading last weekend. As a result, Di Matteo has given the armband to Northern Ireland international Brunt, and he is confident the 26-year-old is up to the task. He told his club's official website: "Chris has matured a lot in the time I've been at the club. 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."

Source: PA