Flanno: Debut was for my dad
John Flanagan has dedicated his Reds debut to his dad - who was once on Liverpool's books without ever making the grade.
Debuts don't come much better than that enjoyed by the 18-year-old as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win over Manchester City in front of a jubilant Anfield.
Afterwards Flanagan spoke to Liverpoolfc.tv about his pride at going a step further than his dad, Jonathan.
"My dad was on the books and didn't make it," said the Academy product. "He is proud. He was up there in the stands and I'm going to see him now. This is for him."
Injuries to Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly resulted in a surprise elevation for Flanagan - but he never looked troubled against City's high-earners.
This after discovering just two hours before kick-off that his lifelong dream was about to be realised.
"It's a dream come true - the fans are amazing so what can I say? Brilliant," he said.
"I found out two hours before kick-off. We had a meeting, the manager named the squad and I was in it. I was delighted.
"Kenny was giving me advice, telling me not to be nervous and to get on the ball, do what I do and keep it simple. That helped me a lot.
"I was obviously nervous - first game against Man City, a big team. But I just tried to get the job done and we got a good win.
"I'm feeling great. It was a great win, all the lads are made up. Brilliant. It was my first game so to win 3-0 is great."
Flanagan was guided through the game by Jamie Carragher, who was operating immediately to his left.
The right-back added: "He is a great help, always talking and down your ear, telling you what to do. It's great."
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Carroll: LFC will attract stars
Andy Carroll believes the 3-0 victory over Man City proves Liverpool can challenge for serious honours next term - and he claims big-name players will be desperate to sign for the club regardless of whether we qualify for Europe.
The No.9 opened his Anfield account with two goals against Roberto Mancini's men, with Dirk Kuyt grabbing the other.
It was arguably Liverpool's finest performance of the season as the visitors failed to seriously test Pepe Reina until the 83rd minute.
The Reds are now five points off European qualification, though fifth-placed Tottenham have a game in hand.
After the game Carroll told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was unbelievable. All the lads played well and obviously I got the goals I've been wanting. I'm here to score goals, though the result is the most important thing and we got the three points.
"We're just putting a team together now. Me and Luis are new, Flanno played his first game at the back - and I thought he did great. It shows what we can do for next season."
On attracting big names if we don't qualify for continental competition, Carroll added: "There are massive names here, it's a massive club and I don't see why we can't attract big names."
For the England man, scoring was even sweeter because he was up against friend and international colleague Joe Hart.
The two spoke before the game - and Carroll warned him he would score.
"I gave him a message before the game and told him I was going to score," said the striker. "He was giving me a bit of banter but I'm just happy we got the three points."
The celebrations which followed Carroll's first goal saw him mobbed by his teammates.
"The team spirit here is great," he said. "Everyone has been having a good bit of banter and we were looking forward to this game against Man City."
Carroll's second goal came from a Meireles cross - and at first it looked like a possible own goal from Aleksander Kolarov.
However, replays proved our record signing got a touch, and from there he was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick with a Kop end header with minutes to spare.
He said: "The second was mine all day. I got the nick on it that I needed and it went in.
"The hat-trick would have been nice but, like I say, the three points is the most important."
