Pep Guardiola said it was a "pleasure" to hand Cumbrian goalkeeper Scott Carson his Manchester City debut - a decade after his last Premier League appearance.

Carson, 35, was called into the City side for last night's top-flight game against Newcastle.

And after City's 4-3 win, boss Guardiola said it had been a popular decision given how important Carson has been behind the scenes at the Premier League champions.

"People maybe don't know this, but he is a real leader for us," said the City boss of Cleator Moor star Carson.

"He has a lot of experience, has been in incredible locker rooms and big teams and he is an incredible person.

"I know [goalkeepers] Eddy [Ederson] and Zack [Steffen], as well as the other players, are delighted that he could play.

"We wanted him to play and be part of the success."

Carson, who has been on loan at City from Derby for the last two seasons, had last featured in the top-flight for West Brom in May 2011.

News and Star: Carson pictured during the game at Newcastle (photo: PA)Carson pictured during the game at Newcastle (photo: PA)

Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, the west Cumbrian said: “I'm over the moon to get a chance to play.

“There was a chance I could have played last season but Ederson was going to the Golden Glove.

“I'm delighted...I thought my Premier League days were over, but thankfully I never gave up and I've got my chance tonight.”

Former Leeds, Liverpool and England keeper Carson managed to save a penalty from Newcastle's Joe Willock, although the Magpies man scored the rebound.

City won an eventful game at St James' Park thanks to a Ferran Torres hat-trick following Joao Cancelo's earlier strike. Emile Krafth, Willock and Joelinton (penalty) netted for Newcastle.

Carson is one of two Cumbrian goalkeepers on gthe books at City, with Greysouthen's James Trafford, 18, having also been around the first-team squad this season.