Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has ‘great faith’ in record signing Andy Carroll ahead of striker’s European debut

Andy Carroll, Liverpool

Related Links

Teams

Players

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has maintainted he has faith in record £35 million signing Andy Carroll, with the striker due to make his European debut against Braga.

The 22-year-old made his first appearance for the Reds after coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Manchester United at the weekend and Dalglish believes the former Newcastle forward can make a huge impact for the side in the final stages of the season.

“He is a massive player and I suppose the fact we put him on the (Europa League squad) list at the beginning of February when we had to put names forward shows we had great faith in him being fit and great faith in Andy,” Dalglish told reporters ahead of Thursday’s tie.

The Scot did try to temper some of the expectation surrounding the striker, though, by stressing that Carroll’s return to action had to be managed to avoid further injury after his lengthy lay-off.

“He is a great attribute for us but he is only a great attribute when he is fit and well and it is up to us to keep him fit,” he added.

“The game is part and parcel of his recuperation. Everyone knows he would love to play – but then so would I.

“He realises the great part the medical team have played and we have to equal the quality of them and Andy’s dedication by managing it properly.

“Everyone wants to play and he has been as desperate as us to get out there.

“But there is no point him being out that length of time and then us being irresponsible and throwing him in because it is a sentimental decision.

“We will do it in the best interests of everyone.

“But it certainly does no player any harm to get out on the pitch, get their bearings again – especially considering the day he went back on.”

Dalglish also paid tribute to Carroll’s attitude – often questioned while on Tyneside – since he arrived at Anfield.

“Although he is young in years he has matured a great deal since he came here,” the Scot added.

Liverpool are without captain Steven Gerrard for the trip to Portugal and Dalglish admitted that the full extent of the 30-year-old’s injury is still unknown.

“He has not suffered any aggravation, he has got a problem with his groin,” he said.

“We should have more news on Friday but it is nothing new.”