Liverpool vs Stoke preview - Carroll weeks away from fitness - 7M sport

Liverpool vs Stoke preview - Carroll weeks away from fitness



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Posted Wednesday, February 02, 2011 by PA

Liverpool's club-record signing Andy Carroll is still recovering from a thigh injury and is not in contention to face Stoke at Anfield.

Liverpool are still awaiting international clearance and a work permit for their other big signing Luis Suarez, who completed a #22.8million deal from Ajax.

If that comes through in time, the Uruguay international could possibly play a part.

With Fernando Torres having joined Chelsea either Dirk Kuyt or David Ngog may be given the striker's role.

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher is also in contention for a return to the squad having recovered from an operation on a shoulder he dislocated on November 28 in the defeat at Tottenham.

Carroll is confident he can score the goals which will bring silverware back to Anfield.

The 22-year-old has inherited the Spain international's number nine shirt, worn by other Liverpool greats like Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, and he believes he is equipped to follow in their illustrious footsteps.

"Goals have always been in my game so I'm very confident I can score for Liverpool," he said.

"It's a great feeling. The number nine is a big number and the one I wanted. To get it at Liverpool is a great feeling.

"I want to go out there and play the football that has brought me here.

"I'll bring as much as I can to the team - I'll score goals, create chances, hold up the ball and just try my best really.

"They have spent a lot of money on getting me here and I just want to repay them for what they have spent.

"I'll do my best and think I can do it. I want to win trophies with this club and help push us forward."

Liverpool have not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2006 and their fortunes have been on the wane over the last 18 months, with the club finishing a disappointing seventh in the Barclays Premier League last season.

The start to the current campaign was the worst since 1953 and resulted in the departure of Roy Hodgson after just six months in charge.

Since Kenny Dalglish took over performances have improved and the investment in Carroll and Uruguay forward Luis Suarez, who completed his #22.8million move from Ajax yesterday, has ensured the departure of Torres has not affected the improving mood within the club.

Carroll admits he was as surprised as anyone about how quickly his move from his home town club developed but he is keen to seize the opportunity.

"It's massive. Liverpool is a big club which is going places and this is a chance to show what I can do," he added.

"What I did at Newcastle has got me here and now I have to carry it on with Liverpool."

Dalglish is looking forward to working with a player who has the potential to become England's first-choice striker in the next few years, having made his international debut in November.

"This is a great opportunity for him. He was in the England squad last year and did very well," said the Reds boss.

"I know Newcastle will be deeply hurt to lose him but it's a great signing for us."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has defensive worries as captain Ryan Shawcross is ruled out through suspension while Danny Higginbotham has a hamstring problem.

Full-back Andy Wilkinson has a back injury so Marc Wilson could come in, but Danny Collins is expected to return at left-back. Asmir Begovic could return in goal despite Thomas Sorensen impressing in the FA Cup win against Wolves.

Pulis is preparing for his side's visit to Anfield knowing that his men will not have it all their own way as they did when they last played Liverpool.

City's 2-0 home win in November was one of the many low points of Roy Hodgson's ill-fated and brief reign in charge of the Reds.

Pulis told his club's official website, www.stokecityfc.com: "Liverpool are playing with a lot more confidence, a lot more willingness to do what they are capable of as a group of players under Kenny and they have certainly turned things around.

"Beating them at our place was a special occasion, but I think a lot of sides were getting tremendous results against them back then.

"Things will be different this time, but what we have to do is go there and give it our best shot. We know it's going to be tough.

"Anfield is one of the special places to go and after what has happened there recently, it will no doubt be another big occasion."



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