Pep Guardiola says Scott Carson is one of Manchester City 's dressing room leaders, despite spending two years as third-choice goalkeeper, and playing no games until last night.
The Blues boss handed 35-year-old Carson his debut, with the Premier League title wrapped up, and he did well in a 4-3 win at St James' Park.
Carson, 35, has been at City for two seasons on loan from Derby, and has become an influential figure in the dressing room as third-choice goalkeeper.
Now, with the Premier League title secure and a Champions League title to prepare for, Guardiola pulled a surprise inclusion by naming Carson in his starting lineup at Newcastle.
Explaining the decision to start Carson, Guardiola said "Maybe people don't know it but he's a real leader for us.
"He says straight away what he believes, he has a lot of experience, he has been in incredible locker rooms with big teams.
"He is an incredible person and we are delighted - not just me but Eddy (Ederson) and Zack (Steffen) and the players that today he could play."
City conceded three goals for the first time since September, but Carson was not at fault for any of them - in fact he saved a Joe Willock penalty only for the ball to fall kindly for the Newcastle player to tap in.
Guardiola was delighted with his display: "It was three goals from set pieces and he couldn't do anything. I'm happy for him to make his debut for us. "
