KENNY DALGLISH HAS jumped to the defence of Andy Carroll, in the wake of criticism aimed at the Liverpool striker by England manager Fabio Capello.
Capello called Carroll’s general fitness into question, as well as his drinking habits, having left him out of Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifying win over Bulgaria.
Reds boss Dalglish, however, insists there are no problems with the man he paid £35m for back in January. Carroll has scored just two league goals since joining from Newcastle United.
“As we’ve said before Andy was not properly fit last season because of a knee injury but we have been pleased with his level of fitness this season because he has lost that injury,” said the Scot.
“I think Andy is very appreciative of advice from anyone who has a good standing in football.
“I think he appreciates Capello’s advice because he has great respect for Fabio and Fabio has great respect for Andy.”
Capello’s quotes came after a summer in which Carroll was pictured boozing on holidays in Barbados.
“Andy needs to be careful,” said the Italian.
“I don’t know anything about his lifestyle. It is a private problem that I never spoke about. But if he wants to be a good player and a good sportsman, he needs to drink less than the others.
“He is not at the top of his form at the moment.”
