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19 March 2024

Carroll's header worth £35 million: Carragher

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher reacts after winning their English FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday. (REUTERS)

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By Agencies

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll savoured his Wembley winner on Saturday after scoring the late goal that fired the Reds to victory over Everton and into the FA Cup final.

Carroll has been derided as a £35 million misfit after struggling to settle at Anfield in his first full season at the club following his record transfer from Newcastle in January last year.

But the pony-tailed England striker was the toast of Liverpool's travelling fans on Saturday after heading home an 87th-minute winner to clinch a 2-1 win for only his eighth goal of the season.

"It's the best feeling ever. We worked hard and getting the goal right there at the end was great," Carroll told ESPN afterwards.

"I had a few chances and should have probably scored earlier.

"But I kept at it and it was a great ball in by Craig (Bellamy), and I just had to score with that one and I did.

"It's a great feeling. I've had some criticism but I've just kept on going. I get the winner here and it's a great feeling.

"I believe in myself every day."

Carroll's winner came after the striker had endured a difficult game which saw him miss one golden chance to equalise when he headed wide on 47 minutes before scuffing two more promising chances wide.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard praised Carroll's character in being able to maintain his concentration despite the disappointing near-misses.

"He doesn't hide and he takes criticism on the chin," Gerrard said. "That's what we bought him for, to score big goals, and he's delivered today."

"We were superb in the second half. We showed superb character. Certain players have had criticism this week but they've stood up today.

"It's superb to be in the final.

"It's great to deliver and one more step and we're there."

Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Carroll and Liverpool's other goalscorer Luis Suarez, who had cancelled out Nikica Jelavic's first-half opener for Everton.

"He will be remembered forever," Carragher said of Carroll. "That goal is worth £35m alone for me and I wouldn't swap Luis Suarez for any other player."