Name: Scott Carson
Date of Birth: 3 September 1985
Place of Birth: Whitehaven, Cumbria
Club: Charlton Athletic (on loan from Liverpool)
Previous Clubs: Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
Position: Goalkeeper
England U21s debut: v Holland, February 2004
England U21s Caps: 23
Click here for Scott's Senior Team profile

Former Leeds ‘keeper Carson, currently on loan with Charlton, moved to Liverpool in January 2005 where he enjoyed a number of fine performances earning him his first call to the senior England squad for the USA Tour in May 2005.

After nine games during a two-month loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season he replaced the injured Robert Green in the World Cup squad.

Was an ever-present for the U21s last season and has now clocked up 23 appearances to join Jermain Defoe as the fifth highest U21 caps earner.

Scott Carson - Questions and Answers

What’s your nickname?
I haven’t really got a nickname. ‘Scotty’ is probably an obvious one, but some of the lads from England just call me ‘Cars’.

How did you get into football?
Where I was from, Cleator Moor in Cumbria, there was nothing for us to do so I’d go out on the field with my mates and play. I can’t remember when I started to go in nets, but it’s probably because I was the tallest and I just got thrown in.

Who was your first team?
Cleator Moor Celtic. I played with them from under-10s through to under-16s and I also played for the under-18s and first team before I went to Leeds.

When was your first ever game?
There was me and another lad fighting for the number one jersey. We played a team who were older than us and were beaten 7-0. I think I let four in then we swapped at half time.

How did you become a professional?
I moved to Leeds and signed a three-year contract and in the second year Peter Reid told me I was going to be the number two. I’d only played one season for the under-17s and under-19s so I thought he was joking. The next season when I came back, Nigel Martyn was still there and was on the bench, but when he went to Everton I became second choice keeper and that’s when things started happening.

What part of your game have you had to work most on?
My kicking and dealing with crosses were the things I was least comfortable with when I was at Leeds, but after four or five years working on them I feel much more comfortable now.

What piece of advice you would give a young keeper?
Stay concentrated on the game for the full 90 minutes. Some games I’ve switched off because it’s nearly half time. You’re thinking about getting in the dressing room, then the next thing the other team have caught you on the break and scored. And in some games, more as a young lad, when you think you are playing a lesser team you might not have anything to do for most of the game, you need to stay focused. I used to hate it if we’d win 13-1, people would look at it as say that they’ve got a goal, I’d rather keep the clean sheet every game.

If you weren’t a goalkeeper, what position would you play?
Centre-back. I had one proper season with Cleator Moor Celtic playing on pitch. I played for the under-10s at centre-back and under-12s in nets. But after a couple of the England trips, the lads would probably say I’d be a striker.

What is your most memorable moment in football?
When I was on the bench for Liverpool in the Champions League Final, it was great being there, but of course I would much rather have played.

Who is the best player you've played with?
I’ve got to say Steven Gerrard. Last season in training, every shot he would have would fly into the corner, then at the World Cup he did the same there too. I thought it was just me he scored past, but it’s everyone.

Who is the best player you've played against?
From a goalkeeping point of view I’d have to say Gianluigi Buffon. He was in goal for Juventus when we played them at Anfield in the Champions League.

Who is you favourite all-time England player?
Alan Shearer for me he was so consistent for England over so many seasons. He was also in my era so it’s easier for me to pick him. I’ve only played against him once I think but he didn’t score!

Off The Pitch

What’s your Favourite Film?
The Shawshank Redemption.

And what about your favourite TV programme?
Only Fools and Horses.

What was the last CD you bought?
I’ve just bought the new Razorlight album.

Who is you favourite comedian?
Lee Evans.

Most likely to be doing when not playing football?
Shopping with the missus!

Person you'd most like to meet?
Tiger Woods, he’s a legend isn’t he.