Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes Andy Carroll's recent displays could help him make a late run into England's Euro 2012 squad.
Liverpool manager salutes striker for recent displays
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes Andy Carroll's recent displays could help him make a late run into England's Euro 2012 squad.
The Scot is confident the 23-year-old will start next season in fine form, whether or not he is involved this summer for either Roy Hodgson's squad or Great Britain's Olympic team.
Carroll has shown a marked improvement in the last couple of months and on Tuesday gave former England captain John Terry a torrid night during the 4-1 win over Chelsea.
And Dalglish thinks the £35million record signing has finally settled in properly at Anfield.
"Andy will benefit from the fact he has been here for a year and has not had any problems with injuries," he said.
Fantastic
"But the quality in the last couple of games has been fantastic and he has been building up to that for the whole season.
"I'm sure he will come back next season very much encouraged by his performances and starting afresh.
"We don't know what is going to happen with Andy yet - whether he is going to be away with England in the championships or chosen for the Olympics.
"I am not going to pick either Stuart Pearce's or Roy's team but if you want to play for your national side - and he does - or the Olympics - and he would do if he was picked - the best way to is to produce the goods on the pitch.
"The players will be judged by the performances and the better they play the more chance they have got."
One of the other talking points surrounding this summer concerns who will captain the national team at Euro 2012.
Reports on Friday suggested Hodgson, who will name his first squad next week, has spoken to Steven Gerrard about the tournament but there is no indication he has made a decision on who should wear the armband.
Real credit
Dalglish did not want to enter the debate on who should take the armband but he spoke of his admiration for Gerrard as a captain and the pride the midfielder would have in leading his country again.
"All we can speak about is Steven and his time at Liverpool Football Club and the service he has given us and the way he has led the club many times by example on and off the pitch," said Dalglish.
"He's a real credit to the club.
"We cannot speak highly enough of Steven but that is our opinion, if someone differs from that then that is up to them. I am sure if he was asked (to be captain) he'd be very proud."
Off the field, Fenway Sports Group have continued their restructuring at Liverpool after director of communications Ian Cotton left the club.
