KENNY DALGLISH REMAINS unsure about Andy Carroll’s involvement in Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, despite the striker making good progress in training.
Speaking at this morning’s press conference on Merseyside, the Liverpool manager refused to rule the big striker in or out of the tie: “Who we have and what we go with we don’t know and that includes Andy Carroll,” Dalglish told the press according to Sky Sports News.
Carroll has not lined out for the Reds since signing for the club in January for £35million, with a thigh injury preventing the target man from making his debut.
But Dalglish is happy with the former Newcastle man’s progress and says he is in contention for a starting berth after resuming full training this week.
“Andy’s training is always progressing, but it’s not progressed into a game yet. We said all along that we’ve been delighted with his progress.”
Carroll’s recovery would be a major boost for Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s game, as they look to finish the season strongly and challenge for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
And other than the in-form Martin Kelly being ruled out, Dalglish says the rest of the squad is in good health: “Obviously Martin Kelly won’t play with a hamstring strain…everybody else’s fitness is more positive than that. Who we have and what we go with we won’t know yet – and that includes Andy Carroll.”
A central-defensive combination of the rarely used Wes Brown and the inexperienced Chris Smalling could struggle if Carroll is chosen to play up front with Luis Suarez, another recent Liverpool signing.
“Obviously the Carroll-Suarez (partnership) is something everyone’s been talking about since the January window when we brought them both in, and it will be nice to see them as a partnership sometime in the future,” Liverpool assistant manager Steve Clarke said.
Dalglish also joked that his Manchester United counterpart would be very interested to know if Carroll would be making an appearance at Anfield on Sunday.
“There’s nothing that he’s done that’s not been encouraging. Whether he’s involved on Sunday or not I’m sure Fergie would love to know.”
Referring to recent pictures in the press of himself and Carroll at a Boyzone concert, Dalglish added “He might not even be a substitute – he might be going to see Boyzone!”
