Scott Carson has thanked the Aston Villa fans for supporting him during one of the most difficult matches of his career.Carson's early gaffe on his competitive England debut last week was one of the reasons the side failed to qualify for Euro 2008 following a 3-2 home defeat to Croatia - a result which cost Steve McClaren his job.

And although the 22-year-old was subjected to the expected boos from Middlesbrough fans on Saturday - something that was replicated all over the country as those on duty against Croatia were roundly abused by opposition fans - Villa's support got behind both him and midfielder Gareth Barry, who was also on duty at Wembley.

Carson recorded a clean sheet at the Riverside Stadium, despite some nervy early moments, as his side ran out 3-0 winners.

He told the club's official website: "The fans were magnificent and I can't thank them enough for the way we cheered me from the first minute right the way through the game.

"Wednesday night was a low point for me - it was for all the England lads. But these things happen in your career and what matters is how you bounce back."

The on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper admitted he had braced himself for some sharp comments from the Boro fans but insists he was not certain of what to expect from the travelling support.

"I can't turn the clock back to change what happened and I expected a bit of stick from the Boro fans. I know other England players were booed around the country as well.

"But I didn't take it for granted that our fans would defend me like they did. They really lifted me and I'm glad I could keep a clean sheet for them - they deserved it.

"The Villa supporters have been great to me ever since I arrived, but this was something else."

Meanwhile, Carson's Villa team-mate Olof Mellberg believes current boss Martin O'Neill would make a fine England boss.

O'Neill has moved to distance himself from the job after being spurned by the Football Association in favour of McClaren last time, but Mellberg believes he would have been the ideal candidate.

"He would do a good job. His strengths are definitely motivating players and getting the most out of players on the day," the Swede told Sky Sports News.

"That is what managing a national team is all about. You are not together with the players too much during the year so it is getting everything out of the players on the day."

But Mellberg is delighted the former Leicester and Celtic manager has committed himself to building a legacy in the midlands under owner Randy Lerner.

"It is tempting for any manager in the world to be manager of England and to do well. But he (O'Neill) has only been here just over a year and is building things so I think we will see him here for some time."

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