[goldenHuddlestone]

Scott Carson, the Charlton Athletic goalkeeper, is fast emerging as the countrys most exciting prospect between the posts and, according to his team-mate Luke Young, could soon pose a serious threat to Paul Robinsons place in the England side.

Carson is on a season-long loan at The Valley from Liverpool and produced two excellent saves to help Charlton beat Chesterfield 4-3 in Tuesday nights penalty shoot-out and book their place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old was part of Englands World Cup squad in Germany during the summer and Young believes his rise to prominence will continue to gather momentum.

The England defender said: "Since Scott came to Charlton hes been an absolute revelation and made save after save. A lot of the clean sheets weve been getting have been largely down to Scott making a number of saves late on in games.

"He did it again on penalties against Chesterfield and basically got us through to the quarter-finals," Young added. "Its early days with Scott at the moment and hes only 21.

"People forget that because he looks a lot older, but give him time to settle into a Premiership club and he will become a top goalkeeper."

Carson is justifying the hype which surrounded his emergence at Leeds United two years ago and persuaded the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, to pay £750,000 for his signature in January 2005.

The 6ft 3in Whitehaven-born keeper signed a new contract at Anfield in the summer that extended his previous deal by two years.

His rich run of form, coupled with Jose Reinas inconsistency, could yet see him recalled by Benitez in January if the Liverpool manager decides to activate a clause in the loan deal.

However, regular Premiership football is allowing Carson to flourish at The Valley and he seems certain to be included in the senior England squad for next weeks friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam
With David James having been discarded by the England manager, Steve McClaren, there appears to be three main candidates in line to challenge Tottenhams Robinson in the side.

Young added: "Ben Foster, Chris Kirkland and Scott are the three challenging Robbo now because McClaren probably thinks David James is a bit too old. With the way Scott is playing there is no reason why he cant be in and around the squad and pushing hard for a place. Hes a very good keeper to play with. He always lets you know if theres a man coming and where you should be.

"If youre not in the right position then hell let you know and as a defender thats what you want."

Carson had kept clean sheets in three successive matches prior to Tuesdays cup-tie at Saltergate.

Ultimately, however, his contribution proved the most crucial as his heroics in the penalty shoot-out guided Charlton into the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the clubs history.

Ian Dowie, the Charlton manager, said: "Scott is very agile and he made a couple of great saves for two of the penalties. Hes a top-class keeper and thats why I brought him to the club.

"If hes ahead of someone of the quality of Thomas Myhre then you know hes got to be a good keeper.

"Thankfully weve got him for the season," Dowie added, "although there is a clause in the loan that Liverpool can recall him in January."

Carsons outstanding form has coincided with Charltons own mini-revival - they are now unbeaten in five games - and Young is also hoping to capitalise on his sides improved results by winning an international recall.

"I havent given up on the England squad," he said, "and if I can keep plugging away and get myself back in there then Ill be delighted. Ive still got a chance but Im 27 now so I need to get back in as soon as possible."

[theo kawala]

Ben Foster is looking good as well.

[theo kawala]

As young has said Kirkland Carson and Foster are too young keepers that are really going to push for a place. This is going to be difficult for Mclaren(If hes still as manager) to make the decision of whos going to be number 1 but for me its going to be Kirkland. I just feel like hes had a bit more experience on the stage and is very reliable and a great player.

[goldenHuddlestone]

I ever wonder whether he will be consostently fit enough