Kenny Dalglish feels that Andy Carroll's double against Manchester City is a sign of things to come.
Reds boss feels that Carroll double is just a sign of things to come
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish feels that Andy Carroll's two goals against Manchester City on Monday are a clear sign of things to come.
The giant England striker bagged his first two goals for the Reds since his January transfer deadline day £35million move from Newcastle in an impressive 3-0 win at Anfield.
His first, a scorching 25-yard drive, was an emphatic statement of his potential as he showed that he is almost fully recovered from the thigh injury he was carrying upon his move to Merseyside.
In comparison to Fernando Torres, who Carroll replaced following the Spaniard's £50million move to Chelsea, the 22-year-old scored after just six games compared to Torres, who still waits for his first after 11 matches.
Dalglish played down the importance of Carroll managing to break his duck however, and that he always knew the goals would come once the player came back to full fitness.
"It wasn't of paramount importance he scored - we put him back in a bit earlier than we probably should have, but obviously he was medically okay," he said.
"He just needed match practice and it was going to take him a few games to get up to that.
"He scored the other night but that is not his fitness complete, and it is not his career complete at Liverpool.
Stepping stone
"It was just a stepping stone to go forward and produce more goals for us."
Carroll's double came in only his fourth start for the club, linking up to good effect with fellow new-boy Luis Suarez up front and showing promising signs of a rapidly developing partnership.
The Uruguayan has also been impressive since moving from Ajax in January, scoring two goals since his arrival and earning high praise for an excellent performance in their 3-1 win over Manchester United in March.
Dalglish was happy that his new recruits had hit the ground running, and expected them to continue their development.
"Sometimes it takes a little time to settle down but both Andy and Luis have been brilliant," Dalglish continued.
"They have settled in very quickly and got on with the game. We are delighted with both of them."
Another player to impress in their win over City was 18-year-old John Flanagan, who was thrust into action at right-back following a raft of injuries.
Dalglish may now give the youngster another opportunity to impress against Arsenal on Sunday, and feels that the player is up to the task.
"Circumstances accelerated his promotion a little bit and he did very well," the Scot added.
"We had no qualms about putting him in for his attitude and commitment.
"At just 18 years of age, to play against Manchester City is a big test, and he came through it fine."
