Dalglish puts faith in Carroll

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish believes the introduction of club record signing Andy Carroll to his squad for the final three months of the season could be highly significant.

When the Scot described the signing from Newcastle in January as “massive” he was not referring to his physical stature, although he does give the Reds a powerful presence they have been lacking up front.

He was speaking more about the effect the 22-year-old can have on the team.

Carroll is in line for his Liverpool European debut against Braga in Portugal tonight, having made his long-awaited first appearance as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United after a lengthy injury lay-off stretching back to December 28.

The club have been careful to manage the England international’s injury, rejecting the chance to rush him back early in the wake of Fernando Torres’ departure to Chelsea.

But Dalglish always knew Carroll was likely to play a major part in what remains of this season and is looking forward to the player reaching full fitness and regaining his form at what could be a crucial time.

“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,” said the Reds boss.

“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.’’

Fellow January arrival Luis Suarez has already made a significant impact in his short time at Anfield but he is ineligible for Europe, having previously played for Ajax this season.

That absence has made Carroll’s return even more significant with Liverpool into the last 16.

But Dalglish insists he will base his judgment on what is best for the club and the player rather than trying to cash in a short-term gain.

“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,” said the Reds boss.

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

Carroll is likely to start on the bench for the first leg, having played only 16 minutes on Sunday.

Liverpool travelled without captain Steven Gerrard, who has been nursing a groin injury, but Dalglish said the extent of the midfielder’s problem was yet to be fully assessed.

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

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

Liverpool also have defensive worries with Fabio Aurelio joining Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger on the sidelines after tearing a hamstring in the victory over United.