Joy for Dalglish after Liverpool triumph

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was proud of the character his team showed after fighting back to win their FA Cup semi-final against Everton.

Nikica Jelavic gave Everton the lead but a goal from Luis Suarez and a late strike from Andy Carroll ensured Liverpool will return to Wembley for another cup final this season.

Dalglish was full of praise for his players and their opponents as well as both sets of fans.

“We’re very proud. It’s ok for us to be happy because we’ve won and got into the final but I think in the years gone by when Everton and Liverpool have come here, the supporters of both clubs have always covered themselves in enormous pride and great dignity,” he said.

“They’ve done that again today. For the city of Liverpool it’s a fantastic day. The red half are happier than the blue.

“We’ve won 2-1 against an excellent Everton side. It was a really difficult game and I’m sure anybody who watched as a neutral really enjoyed it.”

Liverpool turned the game around after half-time and Dalglish said their desire to win was the reason for a dramatic, late turnaround.

“We started really well. They lost a goal, picked themselves up again and in the second half just went forward and tried to get what we wanted. We got it in the end and that was a victory,” he said.

With both his strikers getting on the scoresheet, Dalglish also praised Carroll and Suarez for bouncing back from the criticism they have received throughout the season.

“If you want to be a top player you’ve got to get through most of the emotions you get in football and part of it is handling criticism and how you come back from it”, he said.

“The lads have shown they’re capable of coming back but it’s not finished. We’ve just got to continue going forward and try and do as much as we possibly can in the remaining games of the season.”

The Scot also underlined his team’s character after two late goals in a week from the much-maligned Carroll have resulted in two morale-boosting wins.

“That’s what we needed,” Dalglish added.

“It’s all very well and good being there when everything’s gone hunky-dory and there’s a bit of mud flying about that’s when we’ve got to stand up and be counted and stand beside each other.

“The supporters have been magnificent and irrespective of what you read anywhere else, this football club will always stand together.”