Carson & Bednar add to caps

Last night Scott Carson became the first Baggies player in 24 years to be awarded an England cap, with several other West Brom players representing their countries in the much criticised round of international friendlies last night.

Although Kieran Richardson`s exploits in the great escape had earned him a call up, and remarkable two goal debut a few years ago, he had already returned to United when the match took place – there were no such doubts as Carson came on for David James at half time to be the first genuine Albion England cap since Steve Hunt played in a two-nil Wembley defeat to the USSR.

Carson did not exactly cover himself in glory; only nine minutes into his appearance he was involved in a dreadful mix-up with John Terry which gifted Germany an equaliser. Although Terry accepted full responsibility for the gaff, question marks were raised over Carson`s command of his area and lack of a shout – though with Terry`s experience and the small matter of the captains armband, not to mention the small slip during Carson`s last England outing, perhaps he can be forgiven for this one. It mattered little as Terry banged in a header late on, and Carson himself made amends with top save to deny Marko Marin`s long range effort.

Roman Bednar earned his second cap, also as a substitute as he played out the last ten minutes of the Czech Republic`s friendly match against San Marino, coming on for Milan Baros. The Czechs won 3-0.

Bob Koren was involved in a thriller for Slovenia in Maribor, scoring the first of three goals for the home side who managed to lose 4-3 to Bosnia-Herzegovina, thanks to a double from Bundesliga top-scorer Veded Ibisevic.

Marek Cech got a full 90 minutes as Slovakia thrashed European minnows 4 – 0 at home, while Chris Brunt played for 70 minutes at Windsor Park where Northern Ireland lost 2 – 0 to Hungary – one of the Magyar goals coming from captain and ex-Baggie Zoltan Gera.

The double Dutch defence, Donk and Zuiverloon, were both representing a Netherlands B side in a game against their Swedish counterparts – both apparently transferring their recent West Brom form without any difficulties as Sweden ran out 4 – 0 winners.