Stephen Carr's 'new buzz' for big stage

Jul 24 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

STEPHEN Carr today revealed his excitement at getting ‘another shot’ at the Premier League.

The defender, who captained Blues at the beginning of their second pre-season friendly last night, admitted that he thought he would never again see the day when he was strutting his stuff on the big stage.

After his contract at Newcastle United came to an end last summer Carr waited for offers – and waited.

None came until Blues brought him back into football in February, and a short-term contract was turned into a two-year deal after promotion from the Championship was sealed.

“For me, it was another opportunity at it, the Premier League,” said the right-back, 32.

“I was very grateful to the club for giving the contract to me and once the season finished it was done within a day or two.

“Both parties wanted it sewn up. I can’t wait now having another shot playing in the Premier League.

“I didn’t think this would come again when I retired. I didn’t have any offers so for me, that was it.

“Funny how football ends up. Six months later you’re back getting ready to play in the Premier League again. For me it’s a new buzz.”

Carr took the skipper’s armband last night in the 2-0 defeat by FC Augsburg as Lee Carsley and Damien Johnson was named among the substitutes.

It was a poor performance by Blues, Carr accepted. They should have passed the ball with greater care in particular.

Blues again trained on the morning of the friendly, their second in three days, and appeared comparatively sluggish.