Carroll earns Dalglish praise

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish sang the praises of Andy Carroll for his contribution to their 3-0 win at Wolves on Tuesday.

On exactly a year to the day he signed for Liverpool for 35 million pounds, Carroll opened the scoring with a neat close-range finish before further goals to Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt sealed the result.

Despite rumours circulating in the last week about Liverpool’s reported approach to Manchester City, where they are said to have offered Carroll to acquire the services of Carlos Tevez, Dalglish was full of praise for the former Newcastle striker.

“We’re pleased with everybody. It was a great finish for the first goal,” Dalglish said.

“(It was) a great ball in from Charlie Adam and a great finish from Andy, who played really well. He’s a Liverpool footballer and he will make a contribution for us many times.”

“He flicked on one on Saturday for Dirk Kuyt to score against Manchester United and did the same for Craig Bellamy at Bolton. If (Carroll) gets a goal he gets a goal, but his contribution is fantastic.”

The win was Liverpool’s third impressive result in the past week, after they secured their spot in the Carling Cup final with a 3-2 win over Manchester City on aggregate before dumping rivals Manchester United out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory.

“I thought it was a very professional, high quality performance from the players, a fantastic reaction to the previous two games,” he said.

“This game became the most important one because it was the next one. They applied themselves well and got what they deserved. I’m delighted with everyone who played.”

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy feels another defeat for the club – who sit second-bottom – has increased the pressure on him.

Fans protested after the match demanding more money be spent on the players instead of stadium development.

“I understand the fans’ reaction, of course I do,” McCarthy said.

“There were rumours I’d be gone the day after the last defeat. I fully expect that to be the case again after this.”