Di Matteo backs Carson to recover against Sunderland

Baggies manager Roberto Di Matteo expects to see the best of keeper Scott Carson in tomorrow's Premier League match with Sunderland at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies captain was at fault for Chelsea's first goal and had to pick the ball out of the net on another five occasions as the side began their campaign with a 6-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge.

Di Matteo said: "He is a strong character and I am sure he will want to make it up to the team and everybody. If you look at the weekend, there were quite a few mistakes by goalkeepers.

"When a goalkeeper makes a mistake then most of the time it's a goal, but he made a lot of saves for us last season and won us a lot of points and I'm sure he will pay us back. As a captain you have certain responsibilities within the dressing room as well as yourself and I am sure he will rise to the occasion. He will be OK."

Di Matteo has called for his players to respond to their sobering experience in London by putting up a fight against Sunderland. "There is nothing easy but we have to try our best and I want the team to show a reaction," he said.