Benitez Delays Owls Carson Move

Owls boss Paul Sturrock may have to wait longer than first thought for a decision on the future of goalkeeper Scott Carson, who will travel to Germany with the England World Cup squad.

Sturrock was hoping to tie up a season-long loan deal for the former Leeds United stopper, who spent two successful months on-loan at Hillsborough last season, this week.

But Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will wait to see how his side shapes up for the forthcoming season, with rumours circulating that current Reds number two Jerzy Dudek is set for a move to Portsmouth this summer.

Sturrock told the official SWFC site: "He's (Benitez) had the Cup final exploits; he'll be scrambling around the World Cup looking at players, and he's got a couple of keepers who have only a year on their contracts. So it's a difficult decision for him to make. Our problem is that we can't afford to be caught out."

The Owls boss will now search for alternatives should Carson remain a Red next season, and former loanee Nicky Weaver is said to be high up on the list.

It was confirmed last night that Carson will travel with the full England squad to Germany after the injury dealt to Sven Goran Erikkson's number three choice Robert Green.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.