Liverpool striker Andy Carroll believes
he is finally ready to justify his £35
million transfer fee after a Man of the
Match performance at the weekend. Carroll, who became the most
expensive British player in history
when he moved from Newcastle on
transfer deadline day in January last
year, enjoyed his best game for
Liverpool in the 6-1 FA Cup drubbing
of Brighton, scoring the third goal.
The 23-year-old has been criticised for
a lack of goals and match sharpness
since his move to Anfield but the
injury problems that initially blighted
his Liverpool career now seem to
have abated and the striker is starting
to hit form.
Sunday's win over Championship
visitors Brighton was also the first time
he, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez 's
had started a game together. And
Carroll 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."
ESPNsoccernet
