Scott Carson faces the axe at Albion

Albion captain Scott Carson is fighting to avoid the axe after his Craven Cottage clanger sent the Baggies closer to the Premier League drop zone.

The goalkeeper is facing the biggest crisis of his two-and-a-half-year Hawthorns career after a poor run of form continued with a major gaffe in last night's 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

Now the former England international could lose his place to summer signing Boaz Myhill, who could get the chance to press his claims in Saturday's FA Cup trip to Reading.

Carson's flap allowed Simon Davies' long-range shot to find the net for the opening goal last night.

Head coach Roberto Di Matteo refused to be drawn at length on Carson but, with Myhill almost certain to start in the third-round cup tie, a solid display would probably see him keep the goalkeeping jersey when the Premier League resumes seven days later with a home match against Blackpool.

Di Matteo said: "He is disappointed. He thought he could have done better, yes,. He knows he should have done better there.

"He is big enough to realise that."

Carson's error could now open the door for Myhill, who has only figured in Carling Cup action since his summer switch from Hull.

Di Matteo is also likely to have vice-captain Jonas Olsson ready to take the armband and reclaim his starting place for the Blackpool match after three months out with an Achilles injury.

The Baggies boss said: "I'm not sure whether he will be back for Reading on Saturday, but we're hopeful he will be back for the next game against Blackpool.

"He has been out for a long time and he is a very important player for us. We haven't lost many games with him in the team.

"We have another four out as well, so it was a difficult night for us last night."