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Dalglish hints at starting role for Carroll

Andy Carroll has made two substitutes' appearances for Liverpool © PA Photos

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Kenny Dalglish has revealed he may name striker Andy Carroll in Liverpool's starting line-up for their Europa League clash against Braga at Anfield on Thursday, but insists he will not do so unless the striker has proved he is ready.

Liverpool will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit from last week's first leg in Portugal, and Dalglish may hand his £35 million signing a starting role.

Carroll came on as a substitute in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Manchester United and the Reds' defeat in Braga last week, and Dalglish admits the former Newcastle striker is close to full fitness.

"The fitter he gets, the more tempting it will be [to start him]," Dalglish said. "But when that day comes, or when it will be, we don't know. He's fit and well, but what we're going to do with him remains to be seen. We either start with him or he comes on in the second half - it's up to us to make that decision.

"That will be decided by how he goes about training, how we look at him in training and what we think is best for us on the night. We have been pleased with everything he's done. The way he has recuperated from his injury, the way he has trained and the way he has gone about his job when he has got on the pitch - there is nothing that has been disappointing for us."

While Steven Gerrard begins his rehabilitation following groin surgery, Dalglish confirmed that Daniel Agger and Jonjo Shelvey were back in training, but neither were certainties for Thursday's match.

"Danny [Agger] and Jonjo are training," Dalglish said. "Danny would have the best chance out of everyone, but whether he'll be close enough to be playing, we don't know."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.