Carroll: I always had confidence

Andy Carroll insists he was always confident he would start firing vital goals for Liverpool on a regular basis. The England international secured three points with a late winner in the Reds' last league outing against Blackburn before heading the goal that sent Liverpool to the FA Cup final last weekend. He attributes such a memorable week to the hard work he has put in on the training pitch throughout the season. "I've always been confident even when I've had a drought of not scoring or not playing," Carroll told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I've always been confident of what I can do. "I just need to be out there with a run of games and I'll get some goals. "Two goals in a week, it's great for me. Two winning goals as well. I've been working hard all season and giving it my best. I'm getting my rewards now." Carroll describes his emotions after scoring the decisive goal against Everton as 'the best feeling ever' but revealed to us that he wasn't able to enjoy it fully afterwards. "Getting a goal at Wembley, in the semis against Everton, it's the best feeling ever," he said. "After the game I was one of the four players picked for a random drugs test. By the time I got in the dressing room afterwards everyone had gone! "My buzz was kind of gone but when I got on the bus it was great. I was excited again and everyone was buzzing. "Everyone keeps bringing it up, asking me about it and how good it was. Obviously it's a massive goal for me as well and it feels great." As well as important goals, Carroll's performances have been notable for their endeavour and link-up play. Luis Suarez told Liverpoolfc.tv this week that Carroll makes life easy for smaller forwards like him - and the big man is delighted that his all-round game is being recognised. "It's pleasing to hear," said the 23-year-old. "I do work for the team and do my best to try and fill in and cover, and get assists. I try my best to be a team player, not just an individual. That's always been part of my game. "I always need to improve on every part of my game but I think I've been doing well for the team." Liverpool face West Brom, Norwich and Fulham prior to meeting Chelsea in the FA Cup final and Carroll prescribes to the view that gaining momentum could be crucial. "It's always important," he said. "If you've won a couple of games leading up to the cup final, everyone is confident and buzzing around, rather than going into the game after you've been getting beat. "It's always a bonus if you go into the game winning." As for life away from the pitch, Carroll is enjoying Liverpool - even though he's not getting out much. "I just go home, watch TV or play my computer, my Xbox with the lads online," he said. "That's all I do, sit in and watch TV with my girlfriend. "I'm really enjoying it here. I've settled down where I live and it's perfect."