Pep Guardiola keen to hold on to 'captain behind the scenes' Scott Carson - yes, really

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised backup goalkeeper Scott Carson for his impact in the dressing room, describing him as a "captain behind the scenes".

The 35-year-old has spent the past 18 months on loan at the Premier League giants from Championship outfit Derby County, and although he is yet to make an actual appearance for the club, his influence is felt by his Spanish coach.

Speaking about the current goalkeeping situation at the Etihad, Guardiola admitted that he hopes the club will extend Carson's stay in Manchester, comparing the experienced shot-stopper to captain Fernandinho for his importance behind the scenes.

"We have one player, one keeper that is so important for us and that is Scott Carson," Guardiola revealed, quoted by MEN. "He is like a captain behind the scenes, like Fernandinho. He is not noticed in the papers or on the field because he is the third keeper but in the locker room he is like another captain.

"He is so important and hopefully he can stay longer with us in the next years."

High praise for a man who hasn't actually played for the club. He must have some great banter.

In truth, it's not the first time he has back-upped a team to glory. Carson was an unused substitute in the 2005 Champions League final, when Liverpool defeated Milan on penalties in that famous Istanbul comeback.

Rumour has it he told Jerzy Dudek to just go out there, wobble his legs and have fun in that shootout, and he did actually get some experience of helping the Reds in that campaign - he featured in the 2-1 victory over Juventus in the quarter-finals.

In fairness to Man City's backup keeper, he does seem to be a very nice bloke. He tried to give his European medal to fellow goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after the victory over Milan, claiming he warranted it more having played more games in the group stages - so maybe offering him a new deal is the least he deserves.