Carroll understands Reds role

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish insists there is no problem with Andy Carroll after he was left out of the side for the win at Brighton on Wednesday.

Carroll was one of several changes from the weekend defeat to Tottenham for the victory in Carling Cup.

The club's record signing was dropped from the starting line-up at the Amex Stadium to make way for Craig Bellamy and Dalglish claims the former Newcastle man understands he is not guaranteed a place in the side.

"Andy is a professional footballer who understands what goes on in football," said Dalglish. "He worked really hard at Tottenham. It was a bad performance and a bad day for us.

"We don't have a team, we have a squad. There will be times when someone will play and others won't. Sometimes you'll be lucky and sometimes you'll be unlucky.

"But the football club is more important than one individual, including myself. I'm sure the players realise that. Although there will be a disappointment if you aren't playing, I think there's an understanding as well."

Dalglish had words of praise for Bellamy, who marked his first start for the club since his arrival on deadline day with the opening goal against Brighton.