Sitting in the armchair, cuddling his grandkids, Scott Carson will have some memorable stories to tell them one day. The old Carson will probably emphasize those four appearances for the Three Lions and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in which he didn’t record a minute on the pitch but was an integral part of the squad that reached the Round of 16.However, his most intriguing tale will be the one about his Champions League appearances. For now, he has got only two, but it didn’t prevent him from making history, as those two are separated by not less than 17 years!Two Champions League appearances for Scott Carson, 16 years and 338 days apart 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bNEAHB0WlB— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 10, 2022 As a teenager of only 19 years of age, Carson made his UCL debut for the future champions of Europe, Liverpool, in the 1/4 finals against mighty Juventus back in 2005. That first leg was played on April 5 at Anfield, and Carson was given a chance to stand between the posts due to Jerzy Dudek’s injury. Carson conceding a goal against Juve in April 2005 (©Michael Steele/Getty Images)The Reds won 2-1, but he conceded a late goal (Fabio Cannavaro’s header five minutes before the end) that could have cost them a lot when the away-goal rule still had an enormous influence on the outcome of the ties. Rafa Benitez’s side would survive the return leg thanks to a goalless draw and would eventually win the title after that crazy rollercoaster against AC Milan in Istanbul.Carson, however, witnessed the whole thing from the dugout, never returning to the pitch for the Reds. Later on, he would become a kind of journeyman, featuring for Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Aston Villa, WBA, Bursaspor, Wigan Athletic and Derby County, before landing at none other than the Etihad.LEICESTER – RENNESPep Guardiola, obviously, wanted to see now super-experienced Carson in his locker-room, to pour in the necessary knowledge and maturity into the team packed with magicians and hotshots. He doesn’t need the veteran so much on the pitch, that’s for sure. Especially considering that Ederson has rightfully been his first choice ever since 2017.And Carson last night in action against Sporting (©Gallo images)Still, last night, Guardiola made a charming move, pulling out the Brazilian custodian to set the stage for Carson’s only second UCL appearance.Twenty minutes on the pitch were enough for Carson to prove his skills, and the years of sitting on the bench hadn’t affected his reflexes that are still sharp as the first day.So, when shall we see his third Champions League game? Who knows, maybe we’ll have to wait another 17 years in 2039, to be precise.
