Carroll on the bench for Braga tie

Liverpool’s record signing Andy Carroll has been named on the bench and is set to make his Europa League debut for the Reds in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Braga.

The 22-year-old striker made his first appearance for the club since his £35m January transfer from Newcastle as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has made four changes from that side, three of which are enforced with captain Steven Gerrard left at home for assessment on a groin problem, Fabio Aurelio injured and Luis Suarez ineligible.

Maxi Rodriguez drops to the bench as Joe Cole, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Jay Spearing and Christian Poulsen all come into the starting line-up.

Braga, who have beaten Celtic and Arsenal at home this season, include former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana.

Braga: Artur Moraes, Miguel Garcia, Kaka, Rodriguez, Silvio, Leandro Salino, Hugo Viana, Alan, Mossoro, Paulo Cesar, Lima. Subs: Cristiano, Paulao, Helder Barbosa, Meyong, Dani, Peterson, Anibal.

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Johnson, Poulsen, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Cole, Kuyt. Subs: Gulacsi, Pacheco, Maxi, Wilson, Ngog, Carroll, Flanagan. Referee: Serge Gumienny (Belgium)