Stewart Downing backs Andy Carroll to take Liverpool by storm

03 October 2011 14:50
Liverpool winger Stewart Downing believes a goal in the Merseyside derby provides the ideal platform on which to build for striker Andy Carroll. [LNB]The Reds' ?35million club-record signing broke the deadlock in the 2-0 win against 10-man Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.[LNB]It was the England international's firstgoal in seven Barclays Premier League appearances this season, having only previously scored against League One strugglers Exeter in the Carling Cup. [LNB] Jumping for joy: Carroll celebrates after opening the scoring against Everton [LNB]Carroll scored twice - in the same game against Manchester City - in seven appearances last season after an injury-interrupted start to his Liverpool career having moved from Newcastle in January. [LNB]After a full pre-season the 22-year-old looks leaner and fitter and despite putting in some performances of promise he was short of a goal but Downing believes his strike in the 216th Merseyside derby will give the big centre-forward the confidence boost he needs. [LNB]'Andy'soff the mark now. Without scoring, he's been doing well for us and he deserved it for his all-around play,' said Downing. [LNB]'That goal is a real bonus and for it to happen in the derby is extra special for him.[LNB]'Andy is a quality striker and I'm sure he'll build on this. 'It was such an important goal as this was a big win for us.'[LNB] Handy Andy: Carroll's left-footed strike broke Everton's resistance [LNB]United are next up at Anfield on October 15, after Downing and Carroll return from England duty, and the Reds go into that match with a lot more confidence thanks to those back-to-back wins.[LNB]'It is easy to slip away from the pack when you lose a couple and we didn't want to do that,' said the 27-year-old.[LNB]'I think the two victories keep us in with that [pack] going into the international break.[LNB]'The derby win was a big three pointsfor us. Winning meant a lot to the fans but the main thing for us was getting the three points.[LNB]'We needed it to stay in the pack.[LNB]'We're going into the break in good form and we have to ensure we keep it going.'[LNB] Derby debut: Downing was playing in his first all-Merseyside clash [LNB]One player who will be looking to carry on where he left off at Goodison Park is Carroll, who is now on international duty after scoring his first league goal of the season against the Toffees.[LNB]'Scoring against Everton and beating them at their place is special but you have to keep it going,' said Carroll.[LNB]'The dressing room was just buzzing afterwards. Everyone was over the moon.[LNB]'We've got Manchester United next game and I've got to make sure I keep doing well week in and week out now.[LNB]'We are a new team and we are still gelling together but what we have got to do is stick to the performance we produced (at Everton) and I am sure we will be up there.'[LNB]  Graham Poll: Despite Rodwell error, Atkinson was the right choice to referee the Merseyside derbyCarroll's Liverpool career blasts off at last with precious derby strike against Everton Sportsmail's Match Zone: All the stats, facts and fallout from Saturday's games

Source: Daily_Mail