Gerrard backs Carroll to end goal drought

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has backed team-mate Andy Carroll to end his goal-scoring drought soon.

The striker failed to find the target against his former club Newcastle United on Friday, but that did not stop the Reds recording a 3-1 win at Anfield.

Gerrard netted his first goal since returning from a two-month spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, and had faith that Carroll would soon follow suit.

“I think he done everything tonight but score, the big man was very unlucky,” Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“But if he keeps applying himself like he did tonight I’m sure that the goals are just around the corner.”

“It’s not down to just him, it’s down to the rest of the players to provide service for him, but we’re all in it together and we got three points tonight and three great goals and a big game to look forward to against Manchester City.”

Gerrard expressed his delight with his return from injury and admitted his relief at ending his injury-plagued year which has only seen the midfielder feature in 14 outings for Liverpool.

“I’ve had a terrible year, a lot of injuries but for me I just want to look forward,” he said.

“I’m delighted to be back with the lads today and to get on the scoresheet and get three points was a perfect return.”

He also spoke about the delight of his side getting both three goals and maximum points: “I think of late we’ve got what we deserved, put a lot of pressure on teams, played well and come away without maximum points.”

“So it’s really pleasing to get the three points tonight and also score three goals, because we’ve had a bit of criticism for not scoring enough.”