CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew believes England goalkeeper Scott Carson will emerge a better player from his nightmare experience in Wednesday's 3-2 humiliation by Croatia at Wembley.

Carson, who won Charlton's Player of the Year award while on loan from Liverpool last season, found himself pilloried for the early mistake that handed Croatia a 1-0 lead.

Pardew, who gave Carson a glowing endorsement going into the game,said: "I have great sympathy for Scott on such massive night for him and England.

"That first piece of action clearly on unsettled him. It was a very, very difficult shot to deal with on a difficult surface.

"From then on he was always going to be nervous. But I thought that he grew in stature as the game went on.

"The blame for that defeat should not be placed at his door because there were other factors involved.

"Some goalkeepers in the past have experienced difficult starts to their international careers. None more so than Peter Shilton.

"And he went on to have a great career. So I'm convinced he will follow that example."

Pardew believes Steve McClaren's successor as England manager will need immediate success.

"Whoever gets the job will have to develop a structure that produces better technical players.

"Personally, I don't think nationality matters. What's important is that the FA appoint the right man."