Carroll sets sights on Manchester United debut

Andy Carroll is targeting next month's Anfield showdown against Manchester United to pull on the Liverpool number nine jersey for the first time.

Carroll has been forced to wait for his debut following his club record £35million arrival from Newcastle United on deadline day because of an ongoing thigh problem that has sidelined him since December 28.

Rumours the 22-year-old could be out for the rest of the season were dismissed last Thursday by Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who suggested the striker could return in a matter of weeks.

And now Carroll has set his sights on a first appearance for his new club when bitter rivals United make a Premier League visit on March 6.

The England international has progressed well under the watchful eye of Liverpool's sports science team at Melwood.

But with Dalglish having previously stated Carroll will not be rushed back into action, the forward may make his bow in the next round of the Europa League on March 10, should Sparta Prague be defeated in the round of 32.

It means Liverpool fans will have to wait a little longer before seeing Carroll paired with Luis Suarez, who has already made a goalscoring impact since his £22.75 capture from Ajax.

And Jamie Carragher has joined the growing chorus of team-mates who are relishing the prospect of witnessing the new-look strikeforce in action.

"I am excited, I am just like a supporter," said Carragher. "I was delighted to get them in and the club made a statement.

"Suarez has made a great start. He's got the goal, but it's his performances more than anything.

"With Carroll coming back, it looks the perfect partnership. Someone the size of Andy Carroll and then Suarez - it looks good.

"Keegan and Toshack? It was great for Liverpool in the past but we're looking to the future. If they can have as big an impact on the club we'll have done very well."

Suarez hit the woodwork twice on his first start for Liverpool in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Wigan Athletic having opened his account just 16 minutes into his debut appearance as substitute in the 2-0 win over Stoke City earlier this month.

And Fabio Aurelio has echoed the comments of Carragher, and said: "People are looking forward to seeing Andy Carroll and Luis up front.

"Andy is good on the ball as well, he will be good to keep hold of the ball when we want to get closer to the opponents' goal.

"He will form a very important partnership with Suarez, they are different players and I'm sure they will match together very well.

"Luis made his first full start for Liverpool on Saturday and he had a great game.

"He looked very sharp and dangerous up front. For us, he'll be very important to have this type of player."

Suarez will not be on the flight that leaves for the Czech Republic tomorrow lunchtime for Thursday's Europa League first leg in Prague, the Uruguayan ineligible having played for Ajax earlier in this season's competition.

Dirk Kuyt could once again be asked to lead the line although David Ngog, Liverpool's top scorer in Europe this year with five goals, is also vying for a place.

Source: Daily Post

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