John W Henry: Kenny Dalglish Has 'Exceeded Expectations' As Manager

Liverpool co-owner John Henry has praised caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish in his efforts since taking over from Roy Hodgson for "exceeding expectations", whilst the American also believes that the team's future remains at Anfield.

There is much discussion on whether the club legend will permanently take the reigns at Anfield, but Henry's comments cannot harm his chances of being in the Red's hot-seat come next season.

The American told The Guardian: "We didn't know Kenny well prior to him coming aboard as manager, but he has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. It would be inappropriate to comment publicly on what happens beyond the end of this season."

Meanwhile, it seems that he has at least made his mind up on whether the club will be on the move in its geography, after several years of speculation, Henry looks to keep the team at Anfield

He added: "It's not a coincidence that the last two ownership groups could not get a new stadium built. What they proposed or hoped for just didn't make any economic sense or they would have been built. A lot of time and effort is being put into study and creatively looking at all options."

Liverpool's finances have long been a talking point as well in past seasons, but thanks to the purchase of the club by the recently re-branded Fenway Sports Group, the £200 million worth of debt was wiped clean, but still looks to spend wisely.

The deadline day of last month's transfer window saw Liverpool spend around £57m of two players, however, with the sales of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel bringing in over £55m, the club were able to keep any expenditure to a minimum.

Henry explained: "The fee for Torres was dependent on what Newcastle asked for [Andy] Carroll. The negotiation for us was simply the difference in prices paid by Chelsea and to Newcastle.

"Those prices could have been £35m [from Chelsea for Torres] and £20m [to Newcastle for Carroll], 40 and 25 or 50 and 35. It was ultimately up to Newcastle how much this was all going to cost. They [Newcastle] made a hell of a deal. We felt the same way."

This example of spending is the basis of how Henry claims he plans to go about his business in rebuilding Liverpool and his group will not be throwing money at the club to spend without a calculated process.

Henry claimed: "We intend to get younger, deeper and play positive football. Adding two top players [Carroll and Luis Suárez] who have just turned 22 and 24 is a good first step."

Carroll Eyes Gerrard Link

Andy Carroll admits he can’t wait to link up with Steven Gerrard and hopes his move to Liverpool can take his game to the next level.

The new Reds No.9 believes his switch to Anfield will provide him with a fresh challenge and has set his sights on making an impact on the European stage.

"Liverpool's an instant draw, it's massive," he said. "Kenny Dalglish is a great bloke, a fantastic manager and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"Newcastle was my hometown and I loved it and the fans.

"That's what I've come here for - a new challenge and hope I can do the same here. I want to love the fans as I did up there.

"At Newcastle there were great players, here at Liverpool you've got Steven Gerrard who's outstanding and that's what I'm looking forward to, playing on a higher stage, like in Europe.

"I've got to concentrate on Liverpool and everything else will fall into place. If I get a call from England it's great.

"But Liverpool is number one at the minute. I know what I can do, people can say whatever, I'll still go out and do my best.

"It has been a massive change in the last year or so; getting promoted, getting the number nine shirt, getting in the England squad and then coming to one of the world’s greatest clubs.

"It’s very different to playing in the Championship. It has been so fast and thinking about it now, it does seem a very big change.

"It's a great chance for me to show what I can do. I've been in Newcastle all my life, but stepping away from people I've known is a big change."

The decision to swap his beloved Newcastle for Merseyside may have come out of the blue for Carroll, but he insists he already feels settled in the north-west.

He explained: "I said it felt like home after three days because of the welcome I've had. I know a lot of people here through Joey and Ryan Taylor so I've got a lot of friends down here who were practically up in Newcastle every week.

"My girlfriend is already down here so we're looking for places to stay. I'm looking forward to it."

Carroll is the latest in a long line of No.9s that achieved hero-status on Tyneside.

He admits he has modelled his game on former Magpies star, Alan Shearer and was quick to secure his idol's old shirt when it became available.

"I watched Shearer as a fan. It was the (No.9) shirt I wanted to wear when I was growing up," he said.

"So, getting it and being handed it was a great feeling.

"I knew the number nine shirt was empty. So, I thought I'd go in and ask for it. I'd had a couple of days off and they pulled me in and gave me it.

"I know I can play football, I know I can score goals and so I know I can handle the spotlight. I don't feel any pressure because I believe in myself to score goals and create them.

"Everyone knows what the Newcastle No.9 shirt means, and what it means at Anfield as well, with players like Fowler and Rush. But I want it because I know I can handle it.

"Now I've got the number nine at Liverpool which is great as well."

Despite receiving an ovation from the Kop ahead of Wednesday's victory over Stoke, Carroll has yet to feature at Anfield after missing out on his only chance back in May 2009.

Carroll said: "I was on the bench at Anfield when I was younger here, but Joey (Barton) got sent off when I was supposed to be coming on.

"I was stripped ready to come on, but got pushed back to the bench.

"That was the only time."

Sylvain Marveaux Close To Premier League Switch

Liverpool wing wizard target Sylvain Marveaux is reportedly close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Newcastle.

The 24-year-old Frenchman emerged as an Anfield target after the arrival of Damien Comolli, director of football strategy for Liverpool, in November.

Comolli was thought to be keen on using his contacts in France to persuade the player that Liverpool was the place to be, but the Daily Mail reports that Marveaux is close to agreeing a deal elsewhere.

Alan Pardew appears to be winning the race for the player, whose contract expires at Rennes in the summer and could sign a pre-contract agreement with a team outside of Ligue 1 immediately.

Marveaux has already seen the Reds in action this season, and was in the director's box for Liverpool's home defeat against Wolves back in November.

Searching for a move away from France, the player hasn't featured for Les Rouges et Noirs since the same month and now appears to be out-in-the-cold at the Route de Lorient.

Whilst Liverpool are still thought to hold hope of bringing the player to Merseyside, the Toon have stolen a march on the Reds and could attempt to seal the deal as soon as possible.

'Serious' Liverpool Interest Confirmed In Eredivisie Sensation

Liverpool were interested in bringing PSV Eindhoven attacker Balazs Dzsudzsak to Anfield in January, according to his agent.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the Eredivisie last month but opted to pledge his future to PSV, despite interest from a number of potential suitors.

Liverpool were one of four clubs to make an enquiry about the Hungarian winger, but his representative would not confirm whether or not they made an official approach.

"The most serious teams were Lille, Wolfsburg, Liverpool and Juventus," Jozsef Vorosbaranyi told origo.hu.

"Some of them made a concrete offer but Balazs decided to stay in Eindhoven."

A deal for the €13 million-rated wideman would have represented quite a coup for Liverpool as they set about reinforcing their attacking ranks during the transfer window.

New Liverpool owners, New England Sports Ventures, spent a hefty £58 million to bring Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to Anfield and were disappointed not to get others - like Dzsudzsak - to Merseyside before Monday's deadline.

"They said when they came in they wanted to take the club back to where it should be. This was their first opportunity to show that," said Liverpool boss, Kenny Dalglish.

"They are actually a bit disappointed we didn't get more players in. That's a good thing."

Liverpool Attacker Wanted By Bundesliga Outfit

Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt is being monitored by German outfit who are expected to make a bid for the 30 year old Dutchman at the end of the season.

With the new strike force at Anfield it is quite possible that Kuyt’s future first team appearances will be limited and there is no guarantees that he forms any part of manager Kenny Dalglish future plans and so a move away from Liverpool will come as no surprise to the Anfield faithful.

Kuyt has been consistently the subject of transfer speculation, however with new owners and a new manager on board the rumours this time probably have a lot more credibility to them.

No fee has been mentioned but Kuyt will hardly break the bank and will fall within what Wolfsburg can afford.

Darby Hopes His Future Is At Liverpool

Stephen Darby hopes Liverpool is his future, so he looked to Anfield with interest when the Reds sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea for a British record fee of £50m and promptly spent almost £58m on strikers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll on the final day of the transfer window.

Darby, 22, is a promising defender, and has already made his bow for Liverpool on two of the biggest stages, the Premier League and Champions League.

He is intent on a career at Anfield ultimately, to play alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, and now Suarez and Carroll, whose £35m transfer to Liverpool is now a record for a British player.

For now though, Darby is entirely focused on the present, and playing for Notts County.

After a hugely impressive month at Meadow Lane at the end of last year, right-back Darby has returned on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.

He enjoyed one of the most memorable moments of his career playing for the Magpies a day before the exit of Torres and arrival of Suarez and Carroll at Anfield.

How he must wish Reds' boss Kenny Dalglish was watching as he and Notts produced a magnificent performance against Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Meadow Lane and almost claimed a famous win.

Neal Bishop scored his first goal at Meadow Lane to put Notts ahead against the world's richest club and they led City until their new £27m striker Edin Dzeko decisively equalized in the closing stages.

"It was a great occasion for the club and a great tie to play in," said Darby.

"I really enjoyed playing against some of the top players and we almost beat them.

"We were all disappointed when they scored a late goal but a 1-1 draw against Manchester City is not a bad result and we can look forward to another big occasion in the replay now.

"We showed in the first game what we are capable of, so you never know what we could do at Eastlands."

Today, Darby will make his tenth league start for Notts just six miles from Anfield and 12 miles from his hometown of Maghull when they face Tranmere Rovers in League One.

Members of his family will be at Prenton Park – as "Notts fans for the day" he said – and he also has friends who are Rovers' fans.

It is a hugely important game for the Magpies, who are intent on climbing away from their current position towards the bottom of League One.

They are currently just two points above the drop zone, only two places and one point above Tranmere.

"I wasn't playing at Liverpool so it was important for to me to go out on loan, and I've enjoyed it at Notts," said Darby.

"The gaffer (Paul Ince) has given me a chance and I'm grateful for that.

"I've played in most of the games while I've been at Meadow Lane, which is great for my development at this stage of my career.

"It's going to be a tough game at Tranmere. They have already beaten us this season, but we were a bit unlucky to lose that day.

"We had a lot of chances in that game but didn't take any of them and were punished. We will have to take the chances we create today.

"We will have to work hard for each other and show a bit of character to grind out a victory."

Darby could play at left-back at Prenton Park if Jon Harley fails to recover from a thigh injury suffered in Notts' 1-1 draw against Walsall on Wednesday night.

The Magpies' assistant manager Alex Rae said Harley, who has only missed one league game this season, was making 'steady' progress and it was hoped he would be fit.

Like Darby, Rae is expecting a tough encounter against Rovers.

"I think all our games are important," he said.

"Tranmere are in and around us, so we'll be looking to put some points on the board to catapult ourselves up the table.

"If we had won against Walsall we would have climbed five places and we would have been moving in the right direction, so the draw was a big disappointment for everyone.

"It almost felt like a defeat because we had so much control of the game and conceded so late.

"We've got to re-group and get ready to go again."

Notts unjustly lost 1-0 to Tranmere at Meadow Lane in November.

"They turned us over earlier in the season, so we know they have got players who can make an impact," added Rae.

"We will give them the respect they deserve and appreciate they are fighting for their lives as well.

"It will be a typical League One game and I'm sure there will be plenty of blood and thunder."

Fernando Torres Explains Quitting Liverpool For Chelsea

Chelsea new boy Fernando Torres said he left Liverpool because they were a club in transition and a long way from delivering the success he craves.

Torres, 26, signed for a British record £50m on Monday, said: "Things had changed a lot in the last year.

"I think they have great ambition and they are doing the right things to get back, but it will take time. I didn't have that time."

Torres said he would not celebrate if he scores against Liverpool on Sunday.

Chelsea's deadline-day capture of Torres was the catalyst for a manic Monday of spending, in which Liverpool replaced the Spaniard by signing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez for £35m and £22.7m respectively.

Torres, a 2010 World Cup winner and 2008 European champion with Spain, spent three-and-a-half years at Liverpool after joining from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £20m, scoring 81 goals in 142 matches.

But the manner of his departure, which came three days after the Spaniard put in a transfer request, angered some Liverpool fans, who are likely to make their feelings known at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"I only have good things to say about Liverpool people," said Torres. "They made me feel really good there for three-and-a-half fantastic seasons.

"I understand they will be angry and will not understand my decision. Maybe in a few days or weeks I will explain all the reasons.

"When I was an Atletico Madrid fan growing up, I couldn't understand it when a big player left. But with time I could understand they did the best for themselves, their families and their careers.

"I'm not asking them to understand me but I'm sure over time they will see what I did there.

"Football is like this. From one day to the other, people can love you or hate you."

Torres' commitment to the cause at Liverpool had been criticized this season but he said: "I never lost my ambition.

"Too many people are talking about that - that's just opinions. I was playing out of form for a month."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said he had not decided whether to start Torres or keep faith with the team that beat Sunderland 4-2 on Tuesday.

Asked if he would celebrate a goal against his former club, Torres said: "First I have to play, and then I have to score but I have big respect for Liverpool fans so I don't think I will."

Torres revealed that he made up his mind to leave Liverpool midway through the January transfer window and told the club he wanted to leave as soon as he knew of Chelsea's interest.

The Spaniard, whose fee was the fourth highest in football history, added that he did not feel pressurized by his price tag.

"The ambition of this team is to win trophies every year," he said. "That is my ambition too.

"I have been in this situation before when I signed for Liverpool. Big money means big expectation. I'm more than ready for the challenge. I'm excited abut a new life and new era."

Benitez Wants To Return To Liverpool

The Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish is doing very well since taking over from Roy Hodgson, but he still only has a temporary contract at Anfield until the end of the season and a lot could happen between now and then.

There have rumblings from Spain that Jose Mourinho is looking to return to the Premier League, and probably this summer, so he just has to be a live candidate if he chooses to be, but another coach that is also very keen is Rafael Benitez, who was only sacked from Liverpool six months ago!

Benitez told the BBC this week: “To be manager of Liverpool is a dream for me. This time, I know that Kenny is doing really well.

“I have to wait and keep watching games, but if you say to me in the future would you like to be manager, for sure, no doubt about this. When, that is the question. I have to move forward, anyway.”

That sounds like he is fully expecting to return under the new owners, if Dalglish doesn’t fulfil expectations at least.

Liverpool To Unleash Their Secret Weapon ‘Better Than Baggio’

Amidst all the talk about Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, as well as the many other leading names currently being linked with a move to Anfield, you could understand those Liverpool fans that have forgotten about another international star that is already on the books on Merseyside – Joe Cole.

The 29-year-old England midfielder has had an injury plagued start to his Liverpool career since he signed on a free transfer last summer on a four year deal, and its fair to say that Kop fans are yet to see anything like his best form.

As a West Ham apprentice, Cole was one of the hottest properties in English football with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all keen to land the youngster but the grounded 16-year-old instead chose to sign professional terms at Upton Park where he had played since the age of ten.

When Paolo di Canio began training with Cole at West Ham, he delivered the following verdict:

'I played with Alessandro del Piero when he was Cole's age. In terms of ability they are similar, though perhaps Cole has an edge.

“I also played with Roberto Baggio and, I can tell you, Cole is a stronger version of Baggio.”

Make no mistake, Cole has fulfilled some of the promise that was shown in the very early stages of his career.

After West Ham were relegated in 2003 he left the Hammers for Chelsea where he spent seven glorious years, winning three Barclays Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his stay at Stamford Bridge.

But after making the switch to Anfield in the summer, Cole had a difficult start to his Reds career. He was sent off on his Liverpool debut against Arsenal, suspension followed, and then he was hit with a hamstring injury that put an end to his first month on Merseyside.

A string of niggling injuries meant that Cole rarely featured before the turn of the year, but he didn’t wait long to get off to a fresh start in 2011 when he scored his first league goal for Liverpool on New Year’s Day – a 90th minute winner against Bolton.

Just as he was starting to find his rhythm with the Reds, Cole picked up another injury which will cruelly keep him out of this weekend’s tantalizing fixture between Liverpool and Chelsea, and therefore prevent him from a return to his old stomping ground Stamford Bridge.

A combination of injuries, tactics, confidence, luck and a new club that was not stable when he first arrived has hardly helped Cole’s situation over the past six months.

But with the new-look Liverpool side and their array of attacking talent that Kenny Dalglish now has at his disposal, providing he gets himself fit enough for selection and overcomes those long-term injury problems, Joe Cole may prove to be the secret weapon in Liverpool’s bid to restore their club to its former glories.

Kenny Dalglish Hits Out At Andy Carroll Critics

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has expressed his delight following the signing of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United, and has hit back at critics of the £35 million spent on the striker.

The Reds boss, who has also welcomed Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez to Anfield, has stated that the club has signed a player of great potential, rubbishing thoughts that the 22-year-old will struggle to justify his price tag.

He said: "I don’t want it to be negative in any way, shape or form about Andy Carroll signing for Liverpool football club. He’s a great signing for us, as is Luis’ signing, it’s fantastic for us.

"And we can reassure Andy that we’re more positive than yourselves are [the media]."

Dalglish also insisted that the club wasn’t going to rush the 22-year-old into first team action, as he looks to recover from a thigh injury.

He said: "We’re really looking forward to getting him up and ready and working and I’m sure he’s anxious as well but he’s just got to be conscious of the fact that he doesn’t push too hard.

"So we’ll look after him, get him fit and he’ll play when he’s fit and ready. It might be a few weeks but we never signed him for a few weeks, we signed him for five-and-a-half years. So that’s what we’re looking forward to.

"He’s got fantastic potential. He’s already part of the England squad and for us it’s a fantastic signing for us. He’s the best person we could have got in here to wear the No.9 shirt and at such a young age, when you consider that he’s wore the No.9 at Newcastle, which is a fantastic honour and he can wear the No.9 here as well.

"For somebody at 22 years of age that’s a lot to carry on your shoulders and he’s showed by what he did at Newcastle that he’s capable of doing that. Anybody that can wear that No.9 shirt up there and score goals has got a chance.

"We know that he’s only a young boy. We know the price might be a bit more than what some people think it should be but then every single person in here has got to justify their wages and their costs so if you can do that with yourselves then surely he can do that for us."

Liverpool Set For Anfield Stay

Liverpool will not be leaving their Anfield home any time soon, owner John W Henry has suggested.

The subject of a new stadium became a major source of controversy for the Merseyside club's previous owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who ran into trouble after reneging on famous early promises to get work started on a new home within 60 days of their arrival.

But Henry believes the Reds do not need a new stadium, having been impressed by the atmosphere of the current ground on his numerous visits to date.

"The Kop is unrivalled," Henry said, in an interview with Fox Soccer Channel. "The atmosphere, I was really surprised because we've heard so much about needing a new stadium.

"We were surprised at how beautiful Anfield was both viewing it as an empty stadium and then with the first game. It would be hard to replicate that feeling anywhere else."

Henry also gave his thoughts on the sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, admitting that once it became clear the Spaniard wanted to leave for Stamford Bridge the club saw little point in retaining his services.

"One of things that we talked about from the very beginning was how important it was that everyone was on the same page. No player is bigger than the club," Henry said. "We expect players to want to be there. If they don't want to be part of Liverpool Football Club then we should do everything we can to facilitate them going elsewhere."

Fábio Coentrão In Fresh Link To Anfield Move

Liverpool is reportedly planning a summer move for versatile Benfica wideman, Fábio Coentrão.

The Portuguese is thought to have been on the radar of the Reds for a number of months after Goal.com initially reported that they had shown interest in the 22-year-old.

Coentrão has since been quoted in the French press expressing his 'love' for Liverpool and, now, caughtoffside.com suggest the Anfield club have 'earmarked' the Portugal international for a summer transfer.

Liverpool is currently short on recognized left-backs after the failure of Paul Konchesky to make a lasting impression at Anfield saw him loaned out to Nottingham Forest.

This would suggest that Liverpool will be in the market for reinforcements when the transfer window reopens, and Coentrão would be an exciting successor for the beleaguered Konchesky.

However, Liverpool are expected to have to spend big to land Coentrão, who has a buyout clause of £26.7 million written into his contract, which expires in 2016.

Liverpool, though, have demonstrated their financial clout under the ownership of New England Sports Ventures and are likely to provide stiff competition for Coentrão's other reported suitors.

Real Madrid, AC Milan and Bayern Munich are alleged to be prepared to battle with Liverpool for Coentrão's signature as a summer of heavy spending awaits.

Gary Cahill Emerges As Anfield Target

Liverpool has reportedly joined the race to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a number of Barclays Premier League clubs as his stock continues to rise at the Reebok, with Liverpool thought to be one of the clubs interested.

The News of the World claimed Kenny Dalglish was keen to bring the player to Anfield in the middle of January, although Liverpool never made an official approach for the player.

Arsenal is known to be interested in the player too, with Arsene Wenger previously stressing his admiration for the Trotters centre back. The pair could come together in a summer bidding war for the England international.

“Gary Cahill is a player I want at this football club for a long time to come. If someone comes in with £25 million, any football club would have to look at that," said Owen Coyle as he tried to warn off potential suitors last month.

Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Commoli is thought to have highlighted the player as a potential long-term successor to Jamie Carragher, although Coyle's valuation may be an off-putting factor.

The Merseysiders would hope to land the player for a discounted fee, and are known to be in the market for a defender after it was revealed Liverpool made an enquiry for Micah Richards on deadline day.

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Young Villarreal Star

Liverpool have joined the race for precocious Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio.

The Argentina youth international, 20, has been part of the Villarreal first team for a year since breaking through from the club's youth ranks.

Musacchio is considered a key part of the club's long-term plan, but a series of outstanding La Liga performances have attracted the interest of a number of top clubs.

Liverpool, Juventus and AC Milan are the three clubs currently understood to be tracking him, but Villarreal are adamant they won't sell.

Musacchio has a contract until 2014 but reports in Spain claim that a generous offer might tempt him to leave.

It has been reported that Milan are ready to treble his wages, and Liverpool could follow suit if he becomes available.

Fernando Llorente Admits He Turned Down Liverpool

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has admitted that Liverpool were interested in signing him during the winter transfer window as a replacement for their departing Spanish international Fernando Torres.

Llorente and los Leones were opposed to the star striker being sold in January, with clubs such as Tottenham and Real Madrid both rumoured to be interested.

"Representatives from Liverpool arrived in Bilbao and had talks with the leadership of our club, but obviously I did not want to be put on the transfer list. So to talk about this any longer makes no sense," Llorente informed Marca.

"I understand the fans of Athletic who don't like talk of clubs that are interested in me, but it shows that I'm doing my job well. At the moment my football future is associated with Atheltic," the Spanish striker confirmed.

Pepe Reina 'Considers' Liverpool Future

Pepe Reina is believed to be contemplating leaving Liverpool in the summer, with Manchester United considering a bid for the Spaniard at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has seen a number of his team-mates leave Liverpool over the last few seasons, as well as the manager who brought him to the club – Rafa Benitez.

With the departure of fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres to Chelsea on the final day of the January transfer window, reports claim the keeper is now considering his options at Anfield.

There was speculation on Thursday; Reina has a buy-out clause within his current Liverpool contract which, if matched, could trigger his departure.

Reina has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past and there is now speculation Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be contemplating a surprise bid for the 28-year-old in the summer as he searches for a long-term replacement for the retiring Edwin van der Sar.

Liverpool fans have taken to club forums and blogs this week to discuss the possible departure of Reina, with some pointing out that when he first joined the club there was a large group of Spanish players and back-room staff who have all, one by one, left leaving the goalkeeper as one of the only Spaniards remaining.

Andy Carroll Out For Another 8 Weeks

Liverpool’s £35m new boy Andy Carroll could be out for another EIGHT weeks.

Carroll has yet to play this year because of a thigh injury and recently flew to Sweden to see a

specialist for a second opinion about the problem.

And his former Newcastle team-mate Kevin Nolan revealed Carroll faces a long wait for his Liverpool debut, saying: “He could be out for another eight weeks.”

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish refused to put a time on Carroll’s return yesterday.

But did admit: “We’ve got to be patient and we’ve got to make sure we act in the best interests of Andy first and foremost and ourselves.

“The injury isn’t a problem. It will be a few weeks, but we are desperate to see him play and the sooner we can get him fit the better it will be for everybody.

“But we haven’t bought him for five-and-a-half weeks – we have bought him for five-and-a-half years.”

Carroll, who was officially unveiled at Anfield yesterday, insists he won’t be changing his ways despite being involved in a series of off-field scrapes.

He said: “I don’t mind a pint now and again, but that is the way I have been brought up. That’s who I am and I am not really going to change.

“I am just going to carry on playing my football, keep my head down and do it at the right time. I have made some mistakes in the past, but they are all behind me. I have got to move on into the future.”

He is aware that he will be under intense scrutiny after swapping one goldfish bow for another – but says he will be more responsible.

He added: “I feel I’m ready for those responsibilities. I’ve made the move now and feel I’ve settled down and know what I need to do and concentrate on football.

“I know in myself what I can do – that’s scoring goals and creating chances. Fernando Torres was a great player, but I need to concentrate on my own game.”

And he has been boosted by big mate – and Scouser – Nolan telling him all about life in Liverpool. Carroll said: “Kevin told me it is a great club and that I should settle in well and the fans will take to us.

“He has got a few friends here and that will help me to settle in.”

Nolan and Carroll are close mates after the England striker was sent to live with his club captain as a condition of his bail on an assault charge.

Nolan said: “There’s no-one more disappointed than me. Not only have we lost a top player, but I’ve lost a good mate who was very close.

“It’s going to be tough and a bit weird over the coming weeks. “He’ll be all right at Liverpool because he’s a brilliant player, fantastic. I know Andy, and I think he’ll score goals and he’ll be a top, top player.”

Ian Holloway: Charlie Adam Only Liverpool's Third Choice

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has accused Liverpool of not wanting to sign Charlie Adam enough. The highly-rated Scotland midfielder was linked with a move to Anfield throughout January but the clubs failed to agree a fee, while Tottenham were also unsuccessful with a late bid.

Adam's agent Kenny Moyes was quoted criticizing Blackpool for their handling of the situation, claiming his client had been "seriously mucked about".

However, Holloway feels Liverpool were more interested in completing deals for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and that Adam deserved better.

The Seasiders manager said: "I think his agent should be very careful what he says, if it's true.

"The boy will go to a top club eventually but he has to go on the right footing, where they really want him, and to be perfectly honest I didn't feel that was the case. Charlie is someone I care about immensely and I believe he's improving. I believe he's a great professional and I believe he should walk into a club when they really want him. He shouldn't be third choice, they shouldn't be doing two other deals, Suarez and Carroll, and putting their energy into that and nothing for Charlie."

Holloway branded the events of transfer deadline day "total madness", but insisted his club had acted in the right way.

"The whole thing is sharks swimming trying to bite pieces off my players, and at the end of the day Charlie will get what he deserves," Holloway added. "I'm very proud of us. The chairman stood there resolute and said, 'That's not good enough'. I think I'll be proven right in time and what Charlie will eventually go for will be a decent amount of money for this football club."

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 0 Stoke

Luis Suarez scored on his debut as Liverpool concluded a turbulent few days with a valuable victory over Stoke.

The Uruguayan slotted home the Reds' second goal of the game in front of the Kop to ensure Fernando Torres' £50million move to Chelsea was no longer the major talking point.

And if questions were being asked about how the Reds would cope in their former striker's absence then efforts by Suarez and Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles - with his third goal in four matches - provided a swift answer.

Record £35million signing Andy Carroll's introduction to the crowd before kick-off was the closest he is likely to get to the pitch for a month as he recovers from a thigh injury.

Unfortunately for Liverpool this was exactly the sort of game from which they would have benefited from the 6ft 3in powerhouse striker.

Conversely, it did not seem that suited his fellow new arrival, although arriving as a second-half substitute with his side already ahead made the task much easier.

The ball spent much of the first half in the air, which benefited Stoke far more than it did their hosts, and as a result Dirk Kuyt found his role as lone frontman a frustrating one at times.

Saying that, he had at least three chances of which at least one would probably have been converted by Torres.

Manager Kenny Dalglish had tailored Liverpool's formation specifically for the Potters, lining up 3-4-2-1 with Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio holding in midfield and Steven Gerrard and Meireles supporting the Holland international up front.

The first chance fell to Sotirios Kyrgiakos, returning to the team in that back three to combat the aerial threat of John Carew, as he headed Gerrard's corner goalwards only for former Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao to clear two yards out.

Jon Walters fired over an angled shot from 10 yards and Carew headed over another ex-Red Jermaine Pennant's right-wing cross, with the hosts having penalty claims turned down when the ball appeared to hit Robert Huth's hand.

Stoke's tactics of keeping everything compact squeezed the life out of Liverpool and disrupted their passing game.

Suarez's appearance off the bench to jog down the touchline brought a standing ovation from the Kop, who as a result almost missed Asmir Begovic's brilliant reaction save to keep out Glen Johnson's close-range header.

Kuyt nodded wide Gerrard's cross and volleyed over from close range before shooting straight at the Stoke goalkeeper when a rare passing move involving Brazilians Lucas and Aurelio cut open the defence.

Within two minutes of the second half resuming Diao was booked for bringing down the advancing Daniel Agger and from the resulting free-kick Liverpool, somewhat fortuitously, took the lead.

Gerrard's low, driven free-kick deflected off Marc Wilson on the end of the wall to Kyrgiakos 12 yards out and although Huth nicked the ball off the defender Meireles was on hand to smash home left-footed.

Carew almost snatched an equalizer on the counter-attack with a shot which flashed across goalkeeper Jose Reina and wide of the far post before, just after the hour Suarez got his chance to start repaying his £22.8million transfer fee - a club record for a few hours on Monday.

His first contribution was to engage Abdoulaye Faye in a sprint which resulted in the Stoke centre-back pulling a hamstring.

One clever backheel to set up Martin Skrtel showed the Uruguayan was not short of confidence, despite not playing a game since December 8 because of a seven-match suspension for biting an opponent while playing for Ajax.

His next involvement was more decisive and was what the Kop had been waiting for.

Kuyt's through-ball sent the forward racing through and having gone round Begovic he rolled the ball goalwards.

For a few seconds it appeared Wilkinson would cut out the shot but his desperate clearance came back off the post and bounced over the line.

While the crowd were still celebrating Reina ensured there was no frantic final few minutes by punching away Walters' shot.

Glen Lauds 'Fantastic' Suarez

Glen Johnson lauded the performance of Luis Suarez after he capped a dream debut with a Kop end strike during the 2-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday night.

Entering the field to a standing ovation after 63 minutes, Liverpool's new No.7 settled quickly into his stride.

His big moment arrived after 79 minutes when he rounded Stoke 'keeper Asmir Begovic and found the net despite the attempts of Andy Wilkinson to keep it out.

"Luis was fantastic," Johnson told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It is difficult sometimes to make your debut in a tight game but he came on and he quickly settled in.

"For him to come on and get a goal was brilliant and we are all delighted for him.

"It's definitely his goal. The law says if the ball is going on target it's your goal so he will take that.

"I think in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll we have made two fantastic signings and I'm sure they will do very well for this club.

"I thought we did really well on the night. We tried to set our stall out from the beginning and we are pleased with our performance.

"We kept another clean sheet and it's another three points - we need to keep it going now."

Raul Meireles struck the first goal with a great hit and Johnson believes the new attacking role given to him by Kenny Dalglish is paying off with rich dividends.

He added: "Raul has got more of a free role now and he scored another great goal. That's three goals in four games now so the longer he keeps that up the better."

Johnson played in a new position himself during the victory over Tony Pulis's side and he did an excellent job for the team at left wing-back.

He said: "I enjoyed it. I'm pleased to play anywhere so I will try and do a good job whatever position I play."