Scoring one is as good as hat-trick - Carragher
Jul 27 2005
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
JAMIE CARRAGHER left Lithuania with the match ball after his first goal in more than six years helped Liverpool sidestep a Champions League shock last night.
The centre-back scored along with Djibril Cisse and Steven Gerrard to wipe out Giedrius Barevicius's shock 21st-minute opener as
Rafael Benitez's side claimed an ultimately comfortable second qualifying round first leg victory in Kaunas.
It was Carragher's first goal since the 7-1 thrashing of Southampton in January 1999, and he admitted: "It has been such a long time since I scored, it has been embarrbutting really.
"The manager said before the game that he wants three or four from me this season, so hopefully I can do that now.
"I probably deserve the match ball after that. Me scoring? It's like someone scoring a hat-trick!"
Benitez handed £7million striker Peter Crouch his competitive debut and praised the immediate impact made by the 6ft 7ins striker, who laid on the first goal for Cisse.
"Crouch is clever and he showed he can fit into this side quickly," said the Spaniard. "He is an intelligent player and that is the most important thing for me.
"It was difficult for him on his debut because they crowded his space, but he worked very hard and put in the effort and got his reward.
"I was pleased with him in his first game and I know he will get better."
The Liverpool manager admitted he was relieved by the victory, although he was disappointed not to be taking a greater advantage into next Tuesday's second leg at Anfield.
"I was a little worried about when they scored but I have faith in my team," said Benitez.
"The most important thing was the result. We had two other clear chances to win by a greater margin."
Mohamed Sissoko made his competitive debut for Liverpool when replacing the injured Gerrard.
The Liverpool captain was substituted in the 59th minuted suffering from a muscle injury, but Benitez insists it is nothing serious.
The draw for the third qualifying round is made on Friday, with Liverpool facing the prospect of a possible pairing with Merseyside rivals Everton should they win through as expected next week.
Meanwhile, Liverpool look set to miss out on the signature of Luis Figo, with Italian side Inter Milan yesterday claiming they are close to sealing a deal for the Portuguese midfielder.
Antonio Nunez remains on the brink of a move to Celta Vigo, although Anfield officials insist the transfer has not yet been agreed.
