Derby’s Carson for England? Sunderland legend Gray thinks so

Follow us on Google Discover

Sunderland legend Micky Gray backs Scott Carson for England recall after comments from Derby manager Gary Rowett.

Scott Carson of Derby County during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match against Manchester United.

Micky Gray has backed recent calls for Derby County goalkeeper Scott Carson to be recalled to the England squad more than six years since his last cap.

Carson has currently played four times for his country, with the last outing coming in November 2011 during an international friendly against Sweden.

Yet ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia this summer, his Rams manager Gary Rowett believes that despite playing in the Championship, the 32-year-old deserves another chance.

Gary Rowett, manager of Derby County, arrives before the Sky Bet Championship match against Birmingham City.

“Why not? Certainly on his form, he could, but of course the reality is there are probably two or three top keepers plying their trade in the Premier League,” Rowett told BBC East Midlands Today.

“But if you based it just on form, and on his performances, then I can’t imagine there is another goalkeeper in the country performing as well as he is week in, week out.”

These comments came on the back of Carson winning the player of the month award for December after helping Derby to five wins from their six matches, including five clean-sheets.

Following their 3-0 away victory at Rowett’s former side Birmingham City at the weekend, Gray has now supported the decision for the ‘keeper to be recalled into Gareth Southgate’s squad.

Former Sunderland defender Michael Gray and now Radio pundit, looks on before the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City.

“If he keeps keeping clean-sheets like he is at the moment then he is certainly in with a shout,” the Sunderland legend said while speaking as a pundit on Channel 5’s Championship programme.

“I think there’s a few probably ahead of him at the moment because they’re playing in the Premier League – [Jordan] Pickford, [Jack] Butland – but there’s no reason why he can’t force his way into that squad.”

Along with Everton and Stoke City number ones Pickford and Butland, Carson is also competing with the likes of West Ham United loanee Joe Hart, Burnley’s Nick Pope and Fraser Forster of Southampton.