Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson returns to Liverpool insisting he has no hard feelings towards his former club.

The England keeper played just nine times in three years at Anfield, which included three lengthy spells away on loan. Yet Carson insists he has no regrets, as he returns to Merseyside with Albion looking to build on his impressive start to the season.

He said: “I don’t think I’ve got any unfinished business at Liverpool. Obviously I never really got a chance to show what I can do but it was a great learning curve and that’s why I’m playing.

“They gave me opportunities to go out on loan and show what I can do. I was on loan three times in three years, so I didn’t really ever think I’d get a crack.

“When Pepe Reina came in I had no complaints, because he’s one of the best. He’s a world class keeper. I had no qualms with that but that’s when I realised my time was up and when I decided to try to move on.

“They knew I probably wanted to move on. That’s why they signed Diego Cavalieri. They were good enough to let me go and come here.”

Carson is expecting a tough test from his former team mates and is tipping them to turn their impressive start to the season into a genuine title challenge.

Come kick off, his sights will be fixed on denting their hopes of returning to the top of the Premier League.

He said: “I think they are closer this year. Barring the Tottenham game they have done well and they went to Chelsea and won there.

“Anyone who does that will be a title challenger. Rafa Benitez has a decent squad and I think they’ll have a good season. I enjoyed my time there. I have no grudges or qualms with them and I’d like to see them challenge.

“People like Gerrard and Carragher are desperate for a title. They probably will want to make my life hell. Hopefully I can go there and give them a good game.

“If Torres plays then I’ll have to be on my toes. When you’re making saves you’re enjoying it.”