Andy Carroll appreciative after first goal of the season

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has moved to thank everybody that "stood by" him after he scored his first league goal of the season during his side's 2-0 victory in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

The 22-year-old, whose form and fitness has come into question in recent weeks, opened the scoring at Goodison Park with 20 minutes remaining.

"The goal is for everyone really, Kenny [Dalglish], the other lads and the fans. Everyone who has stood by me," he told the club's official website.

"I had been speaking with Jose [Enrique] and I told him that I fancied getting my first of the season here. Before the game, I thought 'this is the day'.

"This is by far the highlight of my time here, easily. It was a good result and it was nice to get on the score sheet. It felt great. The lads played well and deserved it."

The £35m signing from Newcastle United has now scored four competitive goals for the Reds.