GREAT SCOTT
Scott Carson is forgotten man with more Prem titles than Cristiano Ronaldo and more Champions Leagues than Ronaldinho
Guardiola has heaped praise on Carson for his behind-the-scenes influence
IF you are asked to name current Manchester City players, you would be forgiven for not remembering third-choice keeper Scott Carson.
But the 39-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, has a glittering trophy cabinet that puts legends to shame.
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Carson is one of the most decorated players in English football history thanks to his spells at Liverpool and City.
Despite only playing 11 matches for the two clubs, the veteran has won an incredible 14 trophies combined during his time at both sides.
Four Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, two Super Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, a Club World Cup and an FA Cup is not a bad showing for a total of 917 minutes on the pitch.
In fact, that's more Prem titles won than Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard.
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His two Champions League crowns mean he has got his hands on the trophy more times than Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Carson also holds the record for the longest gap between his first and last triumphs in the competition.
His first came in 2005 when he was on the bench for Liverpool as they beat AC Milan in the final in Istanbul.
A remarkable 18 years later in the same stadium, Carson was part of the squad as Man City beat Inter Milan to pick up his second Champions League medal.
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It is easy to dismiss his trophies due to a lack of time on the pitch and fans have said he has "the best job ever" being amongst the world's best teams without the pressure of playing.
But his role at Man City should not be underestimated.
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Carson's training ground keeper job is vital and his influence in the dressing room is huge.
Pep Guardiola explained: "The best advice I could give to the young players is to stay around Scott Carson as much as possible in the locker room.
"Every second he is training and every minute you get on the pitch and in the changing room with Carson, you value.
“It’s like the young actors have to be with the old actors on the set. They are wiser and have the values of the profession.”
On other occasions, Guardiola has said: "I was fortunate to know this guy. He’s like a captain, built incredible love for the team. I’m pretty sure when we need him, he’ll respond."
And the boss has added: "He is a guy when he talks everybody listens. He helps take quality training sessions."
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Carson's leadership is valued so much by City that he has now been there for six seasons.
He gained his experience playing for the likes of Leeds, Charlton, Aston Villa and West Brom in the Premier League.
The stopper even had a two-year spell in Turkey with Bursaspor and time in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan and Derby.
But nobody would have expected Carson to have such an incredible career after he made an infamous mistake while in goal for England.
During a crucial Euros qualifier against Croatia, the keeper with four caps parried a speculative Niko Kranjcar effort into his own net that stopped England making the 2008 tournament.
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Steve McClaren was sacked the day after and Carson's time at the top could well have been over.
But he has bounced back in incredible style and hopes to guide City to a fifth consecutive Prem title from behind-the-scenes once again.
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