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

I

t's a bit sad to see Bosingwa leaving after he finally seemed to show some defensive ability when moved to centre back against Barca, but at least we'll be forced to pick up some sort of right fullback as cover. His new haircut seemed to decrease the prominence of the monobrow too.

shagwa
Kalou and Bosingwa face exits

J

oey has been an integral part of the club and has played his part. Played his part in what? Destroying QPR?

sri
Barton handed 12-match ban

Y

ou realise this means he'll have more free time to tweet, appear on newsnight, and google philosphers... ban seems about right, but there will never be consistency from the FA, so that completely undermines any possible lesson to the kids. Apart from the lesson about being part of an important cash cow.

wheresmyhair77
Barton handed 12-match ban

Footer 365

Zola backs RDM for Blues post

Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola believes Italian compatriot Roberto Di Matteo is likely to remain in charge of the Blues next season.

Fitness concern for Johnson

Glen Johnson sparked a fitness concern ahead of England's friendly with Norway when he failed to play any part in an open training session.

QPR consider Barton 'sacking'

QPR manager Mark Hughes is 'determined to wash his hands' of Joey Barton after his 12-match ban, according to reports.

Mail Box

Here Endeth The Didier Drogba Love-In...

There's a backlash to all the Didier Drogba love being cast around this week as he's described as 'everything that is wrong with modern football'. And there's lots more...

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...

© 2012 365 Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved