Carroll keen ahead of maiden Cup final

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll said that he feels fit and confident, and is excited ahead of the Carling Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Carroll has endured a difficult 12 months at Anfield, with questions being raised over his form and fitness since his 35-million-pound move from Newcastle, but the forward now feels he is ready to show what he can do.

“This is the best I’ve felt since I’ve been here (at Liverpool), without a doubt,” Carroll told the Daily Mirror.

“I feel fit and confident and I think it’s showing in my performances. I feel like I am doing well and have just started to get going. I’m scoring goals. It’s all starting to come together for me.”

“I’m getting around the pitch more and getting involved. I think it shows that I am happier and more confident. I am just pleased that things are going right, because we have a massive game coming up now.”

Carroll’s trip to Wembley on Sunday will be his first cup final but, despite scoring twice in his last three starts, the striker knows he is not guaranteed a place in the team.

Carroll continued: “I’ve never been to a cup final, so that’s all I’m looking forward to now – it’s a massive game for me and the rest of the lads.”

“We have been playing well in the last couple of weeks and are starting to put the performances in. We are starting to get the goals, so we are looking forward to the cup final.”

“You have got to work hard in training. Kenny (Dalglish) is the manager and he picks the team. But I’m pleased with the way I’m playing now.”

Dalglish will almost have a full squad to choose from – Lucas Leiva the only absentee – ahead of Sunday’s final against Cardiff City, with only minor doubts over the fitness of Daniel Agger and Craig Bellamy, although the manager said he is confident the pair will be fit for selection.