Quote (A1R @ Mar 2 2011 03:00pm)
Great news fellas!
Andy Carroll set for debut against Manchester United
Andy Carroll has moved a step closer to making hi s Liverpool debut after he took part in a full training session with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday.
The England striker has not played since completing his £35million move to Anfield on transfer deadline day in January because of a thigh problem he sustained at former club Newcastle.
But it is looking increasingly likely that Kenny Dalglish will find a place for Carroll in his squad when Liverpool host Manchester United this Sunday.
All smiles: Dalglish is set to call on Carroll for the first time
Carroll, whose last game was at Tottenham on December 28,looked sharp and enthusiastic in a routine, small-sided game at Liverpool's Melwood headquarters and he linked well with fellow recruit Luis Suarez.
Seeing Carroll do everything asked of him will have come as a huge relief to Dalglish but it does not necessarily mean he will thrust the 22-year-old straight into Liverpool's starting line-up.
Dalglish has been consistent in his assertion that Carroll's rehabilitation will not be rushed for the sake of one game, regardless of what is at stake. Yet the idea all along has been to have Carroll ready for United's visit and, provided he suffers no reaction in the next few days, that target is set to be achieved.
Having Carroll available will give Liverpool's attack a different, much-needed dimension.