Di Matteo to bench Carson

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has decided to drop England goalkeeper Scott Carson for Saturday’s home game with Blackpool.

The former Liverpool stopper was at fault for the opening goal in the recent English Premier League loss to Fulham and Boaz Myhill – who impressed in their FA Cup defeat at Reading – has been preferred.

“I’ve decided I am going to give Boaz Myhill an opportunity,” Di Matteo said.

“He did well in the FA Cup on Saturday.”

“It was a difficult decision but I thought I had to give Boaz a chance. He did enough against Reading to convince me he deserves a chance. When someone deserves a chance I will give them an opportunity.”

Blackpool were expected to be fighting relegation along with Albion but their form so far this season has been excellent, culminating in a 2-1 win against Liverpool on Wednesday.

“They were good against Liverpool. They are difficult to play against and play with freedom and without fear,” Di Matteo said.

“I think everyone is surprised to see them pulling off some great results. There were no expectations on them and no one gave them a chance.”

After a good start to the season, Albion’s form has nosedived and the Baggies are without a win in their last five Premier League matches.

“We have talked to the players to try and pick them up and give them some confidence,” the former Chelsea midfielder added.

“There is no magic stick and we need to work our way out of trouble. As a newly-promoted team there were always going to be problems.”

“You can pick up points against any team but it is important we stop this negative run and get some points to give ourselves a lift and a chance out getting out of the bottom three.”

Gabriel Tamas returns to Albion’s struggling defence after a three-match suspension but his central partner Jonas Olsson is banned.

Striker Peter Odemwingie is a doubt with an ankle injury while Ishmael Miller has a hamstring tear.