Carroll 'happy' with Reds form

Andy Carroll feels his Liverpool career is finally starting to take off 12 months after arriving at Anfield, where "it has all come together".

Last Updated: 21/02/12 at 07:02 Post Comment   

Carroll: Feels his game is coming together

Carroll: Feels his game is coming together

Since becoming the most expensive British player when he moved from Newcastle in a £35million deal on transfer deadline day of January last year, the striker has not enjoyed the best of times.

His debut was delayed by a thigh injury sustained prior to his switch and he never regained full fitness before further problems ended his season a few games early.

The 23-year-old returned in better shape after a full pre-season but circumstances beyond his control, namely another untimely injury to captain Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez's eight-match ban, meant his chances of playing in a properly full-strength team were restricted.

Sunday's 6-1 FA Cup win over Championship visitors Brighton - in which Carroll scored the decisive goal to make it 3-1 in the second half - was in fact the first time he, Gerrard and Suarez had started a game together.

He got his captain's man-of-the-match nomination but there had been signs over the last month that Carroll was starting to look like he could deliver on the expectations his hefty transfer fee produced.

And the striker is feeling much better about himself after two goals in four matches, and three since the turn of the year which has doubled his tally to six for the season.

"I feel like I am doing well. I have just started scoring goals and I am doing well in games. I think it has all come together," said the England international.

Asked whether this was now the best he had felt since moving to Merseyside he added: "Without a doubt and I think it shows in my performances.

"(I'm) getting around the pitch a bit more, getting involved. I am happy, more confident and things are going all right.

"The whole team played well (against Brighton) and I was delighted to get a goal and obviously so for Luis (who also scored after missing a penalty) as well."

More championship opposition awaits next weekend in the form of Cardiff when Liverpool travel to Wembley for their first final in five years.

The team could not have had better preparation for the Carling Cup showpiece, having bounced back from a league defeat at arch-rivals Manchester United, and Carroll knows competition for places in the final will be fierce.

"It is a massive game and I think all the lads are looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get the win," he said.

"I have never been to a cup final. That is all I am looking forward to, getting there. It is a great feeling and hopefully we can win it.

"We have got a massive squad and everyone can play a part in it. We are such a good team that you could pick anyone.

"You have just got to work hard. The manager picks the team at the end of the day. If we can get the trophy it would be great."

Victory over Cardiff would guarantee a return to European competition after a year's absence but Liverpool are still holding out hopes of a top-four finish to get back into the Champions League.

"We have been playing well in the last couple of weeks and have been putting the performances in," added the striker.

"We have been lacking goals but we have shown there we can bang them in.

"It is nice to see those teams (Arsenal and Chelsea) struggle a bit and obviously us putting performances like that together, it is great."

For Carroll to be happy with his form just goes to show how low his expectations are. He isn't even worth 1 tenth of what was paid for him. He's one of the worst strikers in the premier league at the moment.
- KilcockGooner

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

here has only been 3 players who made me hold my breath in dread when they picked the ball up anywhere near our penalty area...in their prime Scholes and Giggs... and always Drogba. Awesome player who on his day was the best striker in the world in my opinion.

gunner14
Farewell Big, Brutal, Big-Balled B**tard

I

remember him scoring a 25-yarder, either the season just gone or the one before, against Bolton at the Reebok. I've never seen a ball hit that hard before in my entire life. You could almost feel the shockwave from his foot contacting it 40 yards away in the stands. Didier Droga. You might not have loved him, but you just had to be in awe of him.

jon_bwfc
Farewell Big, Brutal, Big-Balled B**tard

E

den Hazard, def. - 1) that girl in a club who makes eyes at you all night, who allows you to buy her a drink and walk her home arm in arm, who then gives you a suggestive kiss on her doorstep before declaring how tired she is and how she has to be up early the next day. 2) A cock tease.

cramp
Hazard 'terms agreed' with trio

Footer 365

Focus turns to next term - Kidd

Manchester City assistant Brian Kidd says the time for celebrating a first title in 44 years is over and the focus must switch to next season.

Kalou and Bosingwa face exits

Chelsea are to announce that neither Salomon Kalou nor Jose Bosingwa will be retained by the club ahead of the new season, it is understood.

Blues hint at RDM appointment

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay says European glory has boosted Roberto Di Matteo's job claims "enormously" as the club seek a new manager.

Mail Box

Kean - Lost It, & Other Hair Related Choices

The heat may well have got to one chap, who has come up with a few players/managers whose hair reflects their playing style. That, and the man who tamed Drogba...

Paying Tribute To Didier 'Beast' Drogba

He will be missed by Chelsea but also by other fans who had no choice but to stand back and admire. Plus, mails on Liverpool, Tottenham and the stout Irish defence...

© 2012 365 Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved