Source: Team_Talk
Downing confidence in Carroll
iverpool winger Stewart Downing believes a goal in the Merseyside derby provides the ideal platform on which to build for 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 first goal in seven Premier League appearances this season, having only previously scored against League One strugglers Exeter in the Carling Cup.[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's off the mark now. Without scoring, he's been doing well for us and he deserved it for his all-around play," said Carroll's club and international team-mate. "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.[LNB]"It was such an important goal as this was a big win for us."
