Former Villa star laments Carson move
Former Holte End favourite Ian Taylor has stoked up the fires ahead of the derby by telling ex-Villa keeper Scott Carson: 'You were wrong to join Albion.'
Carson spent last season on loan at Villa from Liverpool, but manager Martin O'Neill opted against making a permanent offer and the stopper eventually joined Albion for £3.25million.
The 23-year-old is certain to be between the sticks for Tony Mowbray's men, in a game which will have huge consequences at both ends of the table, as well as offering the usual local bragging rights.
But ex-claret and blue midfielder Taylor has questioned whether he has the temperament to handle big games, after some high-profile gaffes on England duty.
He believes Carson could soon come to regret his decision to leave Anfield, because he might never get another chance to play for such a big club.
Taylor said: "I think Carson still has a way to go. The England debacle knocked his career back. I don't know if he has a problem with nerves but when he plays in big games he seems to crumble.
"I'm not sure Albion was a good move for him. He was at a club like Liverpool. He could have stayed there longer to learn his trade and then move on to another club if it didn't work out in another few years.
"Who knows if he will ever get a chance to play for a big club like that again?
"To ask £10million (Liverpool's initial asking price) for him was a lot of money. Liverpool were trying it on. The teams that came in for him (Albion and Stoke) says a lot."
Comparisons are sure to be drawn between Carson and his successor for the Villa number one jersey, Brad Friedel. Taylor is in no doubt who's got the best man.
He said: "Brad was Villa's best value signing of the summer, he never seems to make mistakes. The main advantage Brad has is experience. Everyone knows Brad has been one of the best keepers in the Premier League for the last decade.
"When it comes to goalkeeping, 50 per cent of it is organisation and communication. Scott was maybe a bit quiet."
