West Brom keeper wants World Cup spot

Oct 22 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

SCOTT Carson is confident of making England's final 23-man squad for next summer's World Cup.

The Albion keeper was unlucky not to figure in England's recent World Cup qualifer against Belarus.

Paul Robinson's withdrawal and Rob Green's suspension prompted Fabio Capello to inquire about Carson's availability.

But the thrice capped keeper was unable to link up due to an ankle injury, prompting Capello to call-up Manchester United's Ben Foster - who ended up playing against the former Soviet republic.

Carson is confident that Albion's non-Premier League status will not hold him back, provided he plays well during the campaign.

"It was nice to still be in the mix," said Carson.

"I was disappointed I couldn’t go because of my ankle.

"There is no point in going when you’re only 50 per cent fit.

"You have to go when you’re 100 per cent or not at all.

"When I saw Ben Foster was playing I thought in the back of my mind that it could have been me.

"I was surprised Ben played, not because of his ability as he is a great keeper, but because Joe Hart was in the squad for a time and he never played.

"If I’d have gone you never know but my ankle ruled that out straight away.

"I still think I’ve got a chance of getting on that plane.

"I’m just going to try and have a good season for the Baggies and you never know what’s going to happen.

"Hopefully I can stay fit and well and keep my hopes up."

Carson's ankle is still not fully recovered, although it has not prevented him from playing.

But he is confident that he will be fully fit in time for Saturday's game at Coventry.

"I struggled on Saturday and to be fair on Tuesday it wasn’t the best," he added.

"I’m just going to have to manage it over the next few games and look forward to the next international break and try and let it settle down then."