Carroll - We Are Ready

Record signing Andy Carroll insists Liverpool are ready to kick-on despite a disappointing 1-1 draw in their Premier League opener against Sunderland.

The Reds looked on course for victory after an early Luis Suarez goal, but they were pegged back by Sebastian Larsson's volley.

Carroll admits not beating Sunderland was disappointing, but feels Liverpool is now ready to push on.

"We are disappointed with the draw but all the lads are happy to get the first game out of the way and with the way things are going," he said.

"We have played some good football, we played well (in the first half) and we will take some positives out of it.

"I think we all played well together, we have done well in training and we created enough chances (against Sunderland) to prove that we can all fit in the team together.

"It is going to take everyone a little while to get together; we want a little bit more and we want to get a few more goals but we all think that it is there

"Now we have got the next game (at Arsenal) to look forward to."

Carroll himself insists he is now fully fit and ready to start living up to his £35million price tag.

"I have had the pre-season which I needed and it has helped me get over all the niggles and injuries that I have had," said the 22-year-old.

"I was injured a long time, so it was nice to play a few games and get my fitness up, as well as getting a few goals.

"I'm just looking forward to the rest of the season and keeping myself fit.

"Now it is a case of pushing forward. I have got to show what I can do.

"It is a big stage and I love playing for this club.

"Now I have got to do what I did to get myself here (score goals) and I am out to prove that I can do it here."

Carroll said the influence of manager Kenny Dalglish, and the faith the Scot had shown in him, was a major help.

"Kenny is a great manager and it is great to know that he has given me all his backing," the England striker added.

"I have just got to give it all back to him, really.

"In training he is giving me little pointers here, there and everywhere. Obviously I need to listen to him and put them into my game.

"It is nice to know that he has got faith in him and it is a big help."