Carroll thanks Dalglish for support

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll thanked manager Kenny Dalglish for sticking by him during what he accepts has been a personally disappointing season.

Carroll has enjoyed an upturn in form lately, turning in an impressive cameo in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea before starring in the Barclays Premier League demolition of the same opponents.

Despite just nine goals in 45 matches, there are signs Carroll is beginning to justify the club-record £35million fee Dalglish spent on him. The Reds boss has stoutly supported and defended the former Newcastle forward and that has been appreciated. Carroll said: "Kenny has shown a lot of faith in me."

He continued: "I haven't had the greatest season but he has stuck by me and defended me and encouraged me a lot.

"I am confident of doing well all the time and I think it is not just the last two games, I think I have played well in a few games.

"I am enjoying it and I think you could see from last night I have been enjoying my football and training.

"I am just confident every time I step on the pitch and I think it has shown in the last few games. I think I just needed a bit of a run.

"In training I have been doing well and all the lads have been enjoying it now.

"We have all been sticking together and playing well.

"I can't wait till next season."