WAIT IN VAIN

"I accepted Fabien coming back into the side in September after I'd deputised while he was injured and I'll accept it again," Carroll said.

"But it is up to me to get to a stage when I wouldn't expect it to happen automatically if I can get to his level. That's my aim.

"It is not the time for that yet. It could be a couple of years it could be longer. That is up to myself.

"It is all about learning and watching and getting as much experience as I can.

"I feel I am a better keeper than when I signed from Wigan 17 months ago. I am fitter and am improving. But I am only halfway there. I am only halfway up the ladder and I want to get to the top rung."

However when Ricardo signed Carroll was nudged out of the squad.

"It was disappointing not to be involved in the squad having played the first five matches," said Carroll.

"I always knew Fabien would be back when he was fit. He's the number one. He's a top class keeper.

"It happened all at once that Fabien came back and Ricardo arrived but I also knew that at a top Premiership club you need three senior goalkeepers. Every top side has that many goalkeepers now. I knew the gaffer wanted another goalkeeper and I knew he'd get one.

"It didn't get me down or knock my confidence. The gaffer said I had done nothing wrong and to just keep on doing what I had been doing and working hard in training and working with coach Tony Coton and look to improve.

"He's given me chances in the Worthington Cup and you just never know what game you may play in next. You have to stay on your toes and be ready. Having reassurances from a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson is great. He said I had done nothing wrong and that gave me a boost."