Carson Explains Why It Was ‘Easy’ To Extend His Derby Stay

Scott Carson says it was an easy decision to extend his Derby County contract.

The Rams’ number one today signed a new deal which will run until the summer of 2020, with the option of a further year.

Carson has started all 27 of Derby’s Sky Bet Championship fixtures so far this season and has been in fine form between the posts.

Last year’s Player of the Year has kept 13 clean sheets in total during the current campaign and pulled off a number of impressive and crucial saves along the way, playing a key role in the side’s rise up to second place in the table.

The Championship’s Player of the Month for December has been a model of consistency ever since he joined the Rams from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2015.

Carson has spoken on a number of occasions that he believes he is playing the best football of his career with Derby.

Once there was an opportunity to extend his stay at Pride Park Stadium, the shot-stopper needed little convincing when it came to putting pen-to-paper.

He told RamsTV: “It was an easy decision (to sign a new contract). As soon as I was asked the question I was delighted to commit my future.

“I’ve said it a million times since I’ve been at Derby County – I love it here.

“I am settled and I want to keep things going as they have been.”

He added: “I had to work as hard as I have ever done to get the number one spot; I had to compete with Lee Grant at first who had been the first choice for a few seasons.

“Thankfully I got the opportunity and I’ve never looked back from that point.”

Carson hopes to celebrate his new deal with a positive result in tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash against Bristol City at Pride Park Stadium (7:45pm kick-off).

Derby fell to a 4-1 defeat at Ashton Gate earlier this season and the 32-year-old believes the Rams have a point to prove against Lee Johnson’s men.

He said: “It’s a massive game and one that we are all looking forward to.

“After what happened at the start of the season when we went down 4-1 at Ashton Gate, we have to prove ourselves against them.

“We’re a totally different team at the minute and hopefully we can get another home victory because, ultimately, that’s what it’s all about right now.”