Carroll edges nearer debut

Andy Carroll has taken a step closer to making his Liverpool debut – as Luis Suarez was given a rousing send-off by his former colleagues.

Carroll trained with his new team-mates for the first time at Melwood yesterday since becoming the most expensive signing in the Anfield outfit's history when completing a £35million move from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day last month.

The 22-year-old joined in with the rest of the squad on routines but was held back from taking part in any contact training.

It further allayed speculation the striker could miss the remainder of the season having not played since December 28 due to a thigh problem.

Carroll travelled with Liverpool to the Czech Republic for their European tie against Sparta Prague last week as a team-bonding exercise.

And although the striker remains determined to be available for the clash against Manchester United on Sunday week, a more likely comeback date would be the next round of the Europa League on March 10, should Kenny Dalglish's men progress.

Carroll's new strike partner, £22.75m man Suarez, returned to ex-club Ajax at the weekend to say an official goodbye to his old colleagues.

The striker underwent a lap of honour on Sunday after the 1-0 win over VVV-Venlo, and was even serenaded by Dutch supporters by a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

Suarez was then given a tribute by Ajax assistant coach Danny Blind, who said: "You came to us as a young player with long hair, but you grew with us. You became a top scorer, captain, and father.

"It's time for a new step, although we regret to see you go. We would have loved to keep you with us for longer. One statistic says it all: 111 goals for Ajax in 159 games."

Suarez is likely to start Sunday's Premier League trip to West Ham United given his ineligibility for Liverpool's Europa League campaign, which continues with the return leg against Sparta on Thursday at Anfield.

Source: Daily Post

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