Liverpool stopper Jose Enrique has defended Andy Carroll - despite the striker's failure to find the net in the Premier League this season.


27930 - Carroll will score against Everton - Enrique

Carroll has scored just once this campaign - in the Carling Cup win over Exeter - but he impressed against Wolves at the weekend as Liverpool won 2-1 at Anfield.

And Enrique expects the England international, a £35 million signing from Newcastle in January, to open his league account against Everton on Saturday.

"Andy was unlucky not to score [against Wolves]," Enrique said. "Maybe he tried too many tricks with the chance at the end but I think next time he will score. Against Everton would be the perfect game for him to score.

"The derby is a massive game but it is just three points and we have to get points now if we want a position in the Champions League. We have to win these games - especially before the international break."

Meanwhile, Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has admitted that his side have come to rely on Luis Suarez for inspiration in the absence of Steven Gerrard, who returned to first-team action last week.

"Luis scored a great goal [against Wolves] and on another day he may have got another two - maybe he's saving it for when we really need it," said the Scot. "But if you get three points it doesn't matter if it is one or five - although it would be easier if it was five.

"When we need something which might get us past the post Luis has produced and I'm sure he'll produce again. But he is not someone who just scores goals, he is making goals also as he set up Craig Bellamy for one against Brighton last Wednesday."