Carroll's Cup final dream
Andy Carroll admits he'll realise a lifelong dream this weekend if he figures in Saturday's FA Cup final clash with Chelsea at Wembley.
The striker secured Liverpool’s place in English football’s showpiece event with a late header to send Everton crashing out at the semi-final stage.
Now Carroll is eager to play a part in helping the Reds try and secure an eighth FA Cup against Roberto Di Matteo’s side and achieve a childhood ambition in the process.
“It’s going to be a massive game for me and for the club,” the No.9 told Liverpoolfc.tv. “Everybody is looking forward to it - it’s a huge game.
“I can remember watching Cup finals when I was younger. It’s always been a massive game in football.
“Getting to the Cup final and just the whole atmosphere – even (in the past) when I’ve been at home, everyone gets ready to watch the Cup final and is very excited about it.”
Liverpool’s Carling Cup final success over Cardiff City in February brought Carroll his first winners’ medal in football.
The 23-year-old believes a second final success this season would represent a fantastic return, both for club and player alike.
He joked: “Mine (Carling Cup winners’ medal) is hidden away at the moment, I need a couple more for a cabinet!
“I’ve worked hard and it would be great to get another trophy. Having already got one is a great achievement for me, my family and everyone else. To get another one would be massive.
“It would be massive for the club and it would be a good season.”
Liverpool have already beaten Chelsea twice this season, though the Blues’ season was rejuvenated by the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as manager in March.
“It didn’t matter who we got, either Chelsea or Tottenham, it was going to be a tough game,” said Carroll.
“It’s been a great turnaround for them and they’ve been doing well, but so are we – it’ll be a good game.”