Baggies boss weighing up goalkeeping call

Roberto Di Matteo today insisted loyalty will not cloud his judgement when he picks Albion's goalkeeper for Saturday's clash with Blackpool.

The Baggies boss must decide whether to drop out-of-form captain Scott Carson for the first time in his Hawthorns career with summer signing Boaz Myhill in line to play after impressing in the FA Cup defeat at Reading.

And, despite making Carson his captain and sticking by the England international, Di Matteo insisted he will make his choice purely on football grounds.

"I always back my players as long as it doesn't detract from the team performance," said the head coach.

"But we need to look who is in the best shape or form to win a game for us.

"I got dropped at Chelsea a couple of times when Gianluca Vialli was manager.

"As a professional all you can is keep working hard on the training pitch to get your place back and wait for your opportunity.

"I thought Boaz did well on Saturday and I'll have a tough decision to make this week.

"I haven't made the decision yet.

"I want to allow myself time to think about it and see how the training week goes like with any other players.

"I will talk with Dean Kiely (goalkeeping coach) and ultimately I will make the decision."

And, regardless of his decision for Saturday's game, Di Matteo has backed Carson to bounce back in the long run from his difficult run of form.

"It's a tough business," said Di Matteo. "We have to live with the criticism but there is no easy solution to it.

"It's about hard work, digging in deep and slowly coming back up. I spoke to Scott last week.

"He's still a young goalkeeper so he will learn from his mistakes."

Di Matteo has also offered words of encouragement for Nicky Shorey, who has lost his place at left-back to Marek Cech.

"It's problematic but you decide who is best suited to play that day, against that opposition, for the team," said the Italian.

"I've spoken to Nicky about it, as I do with all players, to explain my decisions. We have open communication.

"The most difficult aspect of the job is managing human resources. That's one of the toughest jobs — it's about managing not only the 11 but the whole squad."