Aldo's Carroll prediction
Liverpool legend John Aldridge has hailed Andy Carroll's recent performances and insisted the former Newcastle man has struck a fierce partnership with Luis Suarez that will make the Reds a strong force next season.
In just over a month, headers from Carroll edged Blackburn at Ewood Park and Everton at Wembley before the 23-year-old overwhelmed a Chelsea defence with two dynamic displays in the space of three days.
And for Aldridge, it was a joy to hear the Kop chant Carroll's name on Tuesday night at Anfield.
"I think for the last month he's been superb," Aldridge told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He's been trying very hard. Things weren't going right for him and he had a lack of confidence but he's just brought it all together and he's obviously worked hard on the training ground with Kenny, Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen.
"It's paying dividends and I think it's one massive, massive positive going into next season.
"I think we've seen, at first hand, how strong Suarez and him can be. We saw it against Chelsea on Tuesday night. We all know that on his day, Suarez is remarkable and Carroll's proved that he is. He's starting to pick up better positions in the box. We can certainly look forward to next year.
"It was nice to hear the Kop sing his name. They sung it for the first time that I've heard all season and you could see it lifted him - all of a sudden he got six inches bigger. And that makes you feel more at home.
"We've seen the last few games, where he's taken Chelsea apart, just how good he can be. He was up against two very seasoned professionals in Ivanovic and Terry and they couldn't deal with him. And he's got to take that on to next year. I'm sure he's going to be massive for us next year.
"I think his work rate has never been in question. I think sometimes he's actually been trying too hard. He might have lost his belief but it's been regained now."
Today's trip to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea will bring the Reds' season to a close and Carroll will no doubt be keen to add to his tally of nine goals for the season in all competitions against Brendan Rogers's side.
The Swans sit 12th in the Barclays Premier League and the Welsh outfit have impressed neutrals this season by not only comfortably avoiding relegation but pushing on towards the top half of the table and playing an entertaining brand of possession football.
"I expect to see pretty much what we've seen all season from Swansea," said Aldridge. "They've been a breath of fresh air for the Premier League, in the way they've come up and Brendan Rogers has got them playing fantastic football.
"I think it will be a hugely entertaining game. We should respect Swansea, but it's a game that we should go to and try and get another three points. We need to finish above Everton. That's really important for local pride."