Carver champions Championship

Published Oct. 7, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Coloccini has recovered from a slow start at St James' Park following his arrival from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008 to emerge as a standout performer in their impressive start to the new Premier League campaign, which has seen them concede just four goals in seven games. It is all a far cry from the form that saw United relegated three seasons ago, but Carver believes the experience of dropping down a tier was key to the Argentinian's development. "I think when Coloccini came to the football club he had a bit of a rough time," Carver said on www.journallive.co.uk. "But when we went into the Championship he matured as a footballer and I think that stands him in good stead for what he's doing now. "He's had to go into a very, very competitive division and passed that test with flying colours. "He's now back in the Premier League and he's embraced what he's done in the Championship and we're reaping the benefits because of it."