Carson's magic number

Scott Carson has set a benchmark total of 40 points if Albion are to survive in the Premier League this season. The Baggies currently find themselves in a respectable 11^th place after securing ten-points from eight-games with the former Liverpool and Aston Villa stopper insisting Albion have nobody to fear - apart from the renowned 'top-four'.

"I think 40 points should be enough," Carson said.

"You can't see anyone getting cut adrift at this stage and if teams keep picking up wins here and there then we are going to all need a high points total for survival.

"Ten wins and some draws thrown in would be enough.

"We got the win at Middlesbrough, which was very important because it's not easy to win away in the Premier League.

"I said to one of the lads that, apart from the big four clubs, you know that everyone else can beat anyone.

"It won't be like last year when Derby got cut adrift - I can see it remaining like this until the last couple of weeks."

The England international has been in fine form since his summer £3.25 million pound switch from Liverpool earning a recall into the national set-up and starring in a number of man-of-the-match appearances. The 23-year-old has put his upturn in fortunes down to the Albion trio of Tony Mowbray, Joe Corrigan and Dean Kiely with the Baggies No.1 thanking all three.

"It's only seven or eight games into the season but I've felt happy from the start," the England international added.

"Joe has been brilliant and a great help, as has the gaffer.

"He gave me the nod at the start of the season and said the jersey was mine and if I played well enough I would keep it.

"He has given me a lot of confidence to just go and play.

"If there was someone here who was just happy to sit on the bench then maybe I would just get a bit lackadaisical and think the jersey was mine.

"But with Deano here there is no chance of that.

"Everyone knows what a great keeper and great professional he is so I have to be on my toes every day and I can't afford to switch off for a minute."