Andy Carroll “pretended to be” Steven Gerrard

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has revealed how he grew up idolising Steven Gerrard, aspiring to be the Reds captain – and now, playing together, he wants to emulate his hero.

Carroll says Gerrard’s career has been “amazing” and wants to replicate the hunger and goalscoring ability the Liverpool midfielder has.

Carroll told LFC Magazine, “I used to watch him when I was younger and pretend to be him on the field with my mates. I’m very lucky to be able to share a dressing room with him now. It’s unbelievable.

“You see Stevie playing the way he did against Everton, scoring three and driving the team on. It was really inspiring.

“He’s had an amazing career but you still know he’s desperate to achieve more. It’s the hunger you see every day, the determination to win more games, win medals and trophies.”