I HOPE Kenny Dalglish starts with Andy Carroll in today’s game at Stoke City. I’m sure the Liverpool striker will be keen to prove a point after some of the unfair stick he has taken this week.

If England boss Fabio Capello had anything to say about Carroll he should have said it in private, not to the entire nation.

Carroll’s form at the moment has got nothing to do with whether he enjoys a few pints or not.

The fact is that after missing a lot of last season he needs games and is still building up his fitness.

Some people have criticised him for going on holiday over the summer but that’s ridiculous. Everyone is entitled to a break and he’s had a full pre-season behind him.

Carroll will be desperate to face Stoke to show what he can do and I think he’s ideal for this type of game.

Stoke are a big, strong, physical side who win games by scaring opponents.

If Liverpool are going to return home with three points they are going to need to stand up to them, get stuck in and match Stoke physically.

If we do that then our extra quality should enable us to win the game.

Carroll isn’t afraid of anyone and at 6ft 3ins his height will be beneficial at both ends of the pitch against Stoke.

I’d love to see him get a goal to silence some of his critics.

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch could be making his debut for Stoke and I’m sure he will be looking to get on the end of Rory Delap’s long throws.

Liverpool’s players need to be careful where they are kicking the ball out today because you don’t want to concede throws inside your own half.

Delap’s throws are a nightmare to defend against and we’ve been caught out by them before.

If we can deal with them and defend well today then we should be okay.

Hopefully Luis Suarez will continue his great form and if we play like we did against Bolton then our fine start to the season should continue.