Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has backed both Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll to come good at the club and insisted that all the pair need is games under their belt.

 

Both of the big money signings were in action as Liverpool beat third tier Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup last night, and even better for Dalglish, both Downing and Carroll found the back of the net.

 

The pair have struggled to convince many of the Liverpool faithful of their merits, especially when taking into account that a combined transfer total of around £55M was lavished to bring them to Anfield.

 

In the 5-1 win, Carroll scored the Reds’ fourth just a minute from time before Downing grabbed an injury time goal.

 

Yet it is the time on the pitch, just as much as the goals, which will benefit the pair, according to Dalglish.

 

"They just need games", said the Scot.

 

"The other boys needed games [too], but as we’ve always said the most important part of the football club is the quality of the squad.

 

"We’ve got to give them games and every single one of them will be much better for it."

 

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