Baggies rally round goalkeeper Carson

Albion have rallied round Scott Carson after the latest setback in the England goalkeeper's incident-packed career.

Captain Jonathan Greening hailed Carson as a 'top goalkeeper' despite the own goal, where he deflected Gabby Agbonhalor's cross-shot into his own net for Villa's second goal.

Greening said: "Scott has saved us many times this season. He's a top goalkeeper and will be a top goalkeeper for the rest of his career. He was gutted to make the mistake, he apologised and then made some great saves.

"He bounced back and is a top lad. We all love him at the club, he has great enthusiasm and is a character. He made some world class saves in the second half. Everyone makes mistakes and he'll bounce back.

"His shot-stopping is unbelieavale. He's only 23 and someone like Chris Kirkland is 28, so he will get better. Brad Friedel is 36 now so there are 13 years for Scott to become a better keeper, which he will."

Manager Tony Mowbray also gave the £3.25million summer signing his backing.

He said: "When Scott Carson let's a goal in like that it's frustrating and disappointing – but he is a good goalie. He's shown that all season and he made a few good saves afterwards.

"He made one great reaction save from a deflected strike that was going in the top corner. I've got no problems with Scott Carson. Football is cruel and unforgiving."

Mowbray admitted Leon Barnett must share the blame for Agbonlahor's goal. But he also gave the young defender his backing.

He said: "Leon maybe should have come across a bit quicker than he did. It's a thing in English football of defenders worrying about space behind them, rather than dealing with the problem in front of them. That's what Leon did.

"But Leon's a young footballer, which is why he's been in and out of the team. He was at Luton struggling in League One, now here he is in the Premier League playing against some of the best players in the league.

"He will learn as he goes along. He's 21 years old and he will learn from the mistakes he makes."