O'Neill unsure over Carson

Villa boss tells goalkeeper to be patient

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th February 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

O'Neill unsure over Carson

Carson: Future uncertain

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Martin O'Neill has told Scott Carson that it could be difficult to resolve his future quickly.

Carson joined Villa on a season-long loan from Liverpool last summer but O'Neill has admitted he would like him to stay permanently.

The goalkeeper is hoping to discover soon whether he will be remaining at Villa or heading back to Anfield.

Carson understands that Villa have the option to make the move permanent any time they choose, but O'Neill has stressed that more negotiations are needed with Liverpool.

"We'll be making decisions but like anything else there will be a number of parties concerned," O'Neill told the club's official website.

Thwarted

"That decision is a three-way decision as I would be very quick to point out.

"For instance, all things could be thwarted if Liverpool decide that they want to bring him back.

"He is not saying anything new. I read things from him two weeks ago where he was saying almost exactly the same.

"We are in a situation here where he is on loan until the end of the season, that was the deal that we had with Liverpool.

"Liverpool haven't changed their stance in any aspect. That has been the case."

Carson has been a virtual ever-present in the Villa side since arriving from Liverpool and O'Neill has been delighted with his from all season

He said: "Have I been pleased with him? Yes, absolutely.

"He is a young kid, learning and wanting to do very, very well. He has got a really good attitude."

Harewood praise

O'Neill has also lavished praise on Marlon Harewood, who has made five successive substitute appearances and been a key component in Villa's recent success.

The Villa boss believes the striker's build-up play is now as good as at any stage in his footballing career.

"He has galvanised the team and since his introduction at Liverpool he has been a genuine breath of fresh air," O'Neill said in the Birmingham Mail.

"He is attempting to get hold of the ball better than he has ever done in his life before, and he has got the capabilities of doing it.

"That's what has been very pleasing about his game - not wanting to lay it off to somebody first time."