Albion hit in Andy Lonergan chase

Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson is ready and eager to face a fresh challenge to his club and country ambitions - as a potential challenger slipped from view today.

The Baggies had confirmed that Preston's highly-rated No 1 Andy Lonergan was one of the three contenders on head coach Robert Di Matteo's radar to join Carson and veteran Dean Kiely in the goalkeeping ranks.

But Preston manager Darren Ferguson has moved swiftly to stamp on the speculation that the 26-year-old Lonergan would be moving.

Carson, now with the Baggies at the start of their pre-season training camp in Holland, is relaxed about Di Matteo's confirmation that he wants to find a new No.2 to challenge and understudy the former England man.

He said: "I've had a challenge with Deano over the last couple of years. There will be fresh face coming in who I don't know. But I've come back this year fitter than ever. I feel really good and can't wait to get started.

"I know there is going to be someone pushing me and I'm going to work as hard as ever to make sure I'm No 1."

Carson believes his long-time rival and colleague, Kiely, can also add dimensions to his game.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to working with Deano. He has played the game at the highest levels for 20 years or more and knows everything there is to know about the position.

"I think his appointment as goalkeeping coach was a terrific move by the club."

With Kiely taking a step back from his support role - although still retaining a player's registration - Di Matteo is scouring the market for a No 2 but Preston are determined to keep Lonergan.

Deepdale sources had suggested the goalkeeper, witnessing a difficult period for the Lancashire club fighting to overcome crippling debts and with their one-time promotion-challenging squad now threadbare, was unsettled and seeking a move.

But Ferguson said: "Andy won't be going anywhere, it is as simple as that. He's the sort of player you want to build your team around rather than lose.

"I think everyone is going to be speculating about some of our more high-profile players, if you want, because I think obviously the rumours are that we are struggling financially.

"But the simple thing is that we can forget about all that because there is no way we can sell Andy Lonergan.

"We can't afford to, we can't replace him - for me he is the best goalkeeper in the Championship by a mile and I don't want to lose the boy.

"He's very happy here, I have spoken to him. I am well aware of the rumours, but we can't afford to be selling players like Andy."