Dalglish scoffs at Carroll exit talk

Kenny Dalglish dismissed rumours linking Andy Carroll with Newcastle United following Liverpool’s Carling Cup victory over Manchester City.

Reports on Wednesday linked Carroll with a cut-price return to Tyneside 12 months after the striker’s 35-million-pound transfer to Anfield.

But after seeing his team win 1-0 away to City in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final, Dalglish issued a firm denial when asked if he was worried about losing the centre-forward.

“I’m worried about the people that invent them (the rumours),” Dalglish said.

“It has absolutely no foundation whatsoever. I don’t need to justify what’s in the paper. That’s your (journalists) job. I have not heard any Andy Carroll rumours.”

Carroll was part of a side that won 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a penalty from captain Steven Gerrard in the 13th minute of Wednesday’s match.

Dalglish hailed a “fantastic” Liverpool performance but warned his side will have to be at their best as the club goes in search of a first trophy since 2006.

“We might have a slight advantage with the goal but there’s no-one jumping through hoops at our place,” he said.

“It’s not finished unless they want to withdraw. I don’t think they’re going to do that. We have to stay professional.”

“It was two different performances in each half. The first half we were more threatening, but in the second half we battened down the hatches.”

“Not too many teams have come here and got no goals against them. It might not have been the prettiest of performances but we needed desire and ambition.”

“Once we were in front we were determined not to lose. It was a fantastic performance by the players against a good side.”

City manager Roberto Mancini backed his team to recover from their second defeat in succession, after they also lost 3-2 at home to Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

“This moment is very difficult, but it is important that we stay very confident,” he said.

“This moment is not a good moment. We have to continue to work and continue to believe in ourselves.”

“We did well until three or four days ago, now we have lost two important games.”

“We can win away against Liverpool. It will be difficult, but we will try. It is only one goal.”