Carroll hopeful Gerrard can kick-start him

Liverpool: Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has hailed the impact of the club's returning captain Steven Gerrard, adding that he believes the midfielder's creativity can "kick-start" his own faltering Anfield career.

The 31-year-old has been reintegrated into the Reds' first team in recent weeks after injury curtailed his participation in the first half of the season, helping the side to a 1-0 League cup semi-final victory over Manchester City a week ago.

So far, Carroll has failed to capitalise on the first-term opportunities handed to him following Luis Suarez' eight-game ban, but the England international is backing Gerrard to help him turn his fortunes around.

"It's great to have the captain back," Carroll told the club's official website.

"You can see at Melwood [Liverpool's training ground] that as soon as he comes out on the training pitch, he's just different class.

"I think just him being there gives everyone else another lift and another boost.

"It's great to see him back and, since he has been, he's already scored three goals, so you can see straight away the difference that he makes and the impact he has.

"We haven't had the chance to start many games together. I think I may have been a sub when he's started or he has been a sub when I have so it's nice to see him back."

Carroll has struggled in front of goal this season, coming in for criticism after a return of just four goals in 25 appearances so far in the current campaign, and he admits that he is hoping Gerrard's added invention in midfield can spur him on to better form.

"When you're on the same team as him in training, some of the passes he puts through for you and the chances he creates are incredible, really," the 35 million pounds acquisition from Newcastle added.

"So hopefully I can keep working hard, get a nice run of games, give some good performances and get a few goals. If I can get a good run, hopefully that can kick-start me on again."

The pair's next opportunity to combine in front of goal comes on Saturday when Liverpool face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.