• Premier League

Carroll to clean up image in order to shine at Liverpool

Andy Carroll was unveiled in front of the Kop on Wednesday © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Carroll targeting United clash to make Liverpool debut
  
• News: Nolan apologises over Carroll comments
  
• News: Dalglish feels Liverpool attack will frighten rival
  
• News: Dalglish lashes out at critics of Carroll transfer
  
• Match report: City's title challenge hits the rocks at Birmingham
  
• News: Skrtel predicts Torres could regret Liverpool exit
  
ESPNsoccernet home

Andy Carroll has assured Liverpool fans he is ready to put his off-field troubles behind him to justify his British record transfer fee at Anfield.

Carroll delivered his first press conference on Thursday, sat alongside manager Kenny Dalglish and new strike partner Luis Suarez, following his £35 million move from Newcastle.

The England forward has grabbed headlines both for his footballing capabilities, scoring 11 goals in 19 games this season, and for his disciplinary issues, after he pleaded guilty to a recent charge of assault. However, Carroll insists he is ready to focus on his game in order to fill the famous number nine jersey at Anfield.

"I feel I'm ready," he told gathered journalists. "I've settled down and I know what I need to do, I need to concentrate on my football.

"It was a lot of money but I'm sure I can do what I need to justify that. I score goals and create chances and that's what I'll aim to do. I've scored goals at Newcastle, and I hope to do the same here.

"Fernando Torres was a great player, but I need to concentrate on my game. My ambition is to win stuff, and everyone is confident we can do that."

Carroll was unveiled to the Kop on Wednesday ahead of Liverpool's victory over Stoke, but he is unlikely to play for another month due to a thigh problem. The striker admits he does not know what is causing the injury, but he hopes to repay his new supporters as soon as possible.

"I'm working hard at Melwood, I just need to get my fitness up. It's a thigh strain, but I've just got to wait a few weeks and see how it is," explained Carroll. "It was a fantastic reception, the fans have been great with me. It's a great feeling."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.