ROY HODGSON CONSULTED former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish before including Andy Carroll in the England squad for Euro 2012.
Hodgson’s predecessor Fabio Capello criticised Carroll’s lifestyle, suggesting the ex-Newcastle United striker needed to drink less if he was to produce his best form.
Carroll, 23, was involved in several disciplinary breaches during his time at Newcastle, including pleading guilty to common assault charges.
“The profile Andy Carroll brings interests me very much and I spoke to Kenny at some length about him,” Hodgson said. ”I didn’t know him too much and you can be tricked by perceptions of players — by what you hear or read about them — but Kenny praised him for being serious as a professional, so I had no reservations.
“The conversation with Kenny maybe put my mind to rest with regards to the criticism he’s faced for extra-footballing activities. That was very important for me.”
Despite struggling for goals during much of the season, Carroll has been praised for his form in the final weeks of the campaign. Hodgson confirmed the late improvement, including an outstanding performance as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, played a role in his decision, but was not decisive.
“I’d like to think I’ve been in the game long enough not to fall for the trick of seeing someone have a great game and giving him an England shirt,” Hodgson said.
“Andy will give me other options because of his target play and ability. He’s capable of making runs into the channels, can turn defences around, and can do damage on crosses.
“It would be fair to say his late burst has maybe given him the nod. It’s hard for players who go to big clubs. It’s more important how he’s feeling at the moment and playing at the moment.
“I shouldn’t be confronting him with the failures of the early part of the season. I should be encouraging him for the successes of the latter part.”
