STEVE McMANAMAN has called for calm over the signings of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson – who he says were never going to be instant hits.
More than a few eyebrows have been raised outside Anfield over the £55million double investment in Carroll, 22, and Henderson, 21.
But former Kop star Macca believes that they will become sound buys for boss Kenny Dalglish – and within the next two years prove to be great value for money.
Both, he says, will play an integral part in getting Liverpool back into the Champions League this season and in the future will lead the fight for the Premier League title.
McManaman, who says it’s now time to blank out Carroll’s £35m transfer fee, said: “I like to see Carroll play. There’s nothing better than having a 6ft 4ins forward to scare the living daylights out of defenders.
“People need to forget about his price and remember that he’s a young lad who needs time to get used to the way Liverpool play.
“When he was bought, we knew he had done well for Newcastle but he was also relatively inexperienced. He had only played around 20 Premier League games for them.
“Andy was always going to need time to bed in. He’s a work in progress like all young players. But he is in the right place with the right teachers. And he will become a better player.
“And it’s the same with Jordan Henderson. People need to relax. Ask me in two years what Andy or Jordan are like.
“People expect them to be instant superstars but it’s unfair to start judging someone after five minutes.
“They’ve come from clubs with different histories and traditions. Liverpool, as a club, are on a different level to where they have played before. Give them time and their performances will improve.”
Meanwhile, McManaman is delighted with the return of Steven Gerrard after his six-month injury hell – and is confident his old club will finish the season in the top four.
He added: “I’m thrilled to bits for Steven.
He’s an absolute superstar and now hopefully he will stay fit. He’s spoken about the frustrations of being out for so long.
“But the other side of that is that he’s had a really good rest. He’s got his body in great shape and will be able to continue playing for a long time.
“From what I have seen this season, the top four is certainly a realistic target for Liverpool.
“There are the two Manchester clubs plus Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham fighting for those four places.
“I don’t think Arsenal will be in the mix because they are missing too many players and are fallible at the back.”
