Carroll feeling confident

The £35million club-record signing provided the assist for the Uruguay international's goal in last weekend's 6-1 FA Cup victory over Brighton, having already scored himself.

And having put his own fitness problems behind him and seen Suarez complete an eight-match suspension, the 23-year-old said: "I'm getting the games I want, my fitness is up there now, and I'm scoring goals - it feels good."

He added: "I haven't been fit in all of the time I've been here, but training together has shown we can do it (as a partnership) and against Brighton we showed we can score goals up front together.

"We've been training well together so when it comes to a game it's just natural.

"You saw against Brighton we both got on the scoresheet, so it's coming off."

Carroll has started nine of the last 13 matches, mainly thanks to the enforced absence of Suarez, but he is under no illusions his place in the side is guaranteed.

"We've got a great team and a great squad, so the manager could put anyone in and anyone will do a job," he added.

"I've just got to work hard this week and try to get myself in the starting XI.

"You've always got to stay on your toes and train well to stay in your position."

Source: PA