Liverpool fans finally singing Carrolls

Andy Carroll insists he never doubted himself after the $55 million flop at last gave Liverpool fans something to celebrate, by firing his side into the FA Cup final.

EVERTON - 1 (Jelavic)

LIVERPOOL - 2 (Suarez, Carroll)

The former Newcastle man has been heavily criticised since moving to Anfield early last year, hitting the back of the net only nine times and finding himself repeatedly relegated to the bench.

And it seemed to be the same old Carroll against Everton when early in the second half he missed a gilt-edged chance to cancel out Nikica Jelavic’s opener.

However, after Luis Suarez levelled matters just after the hour following a Silvan Distin error, Carroll rose highest to meet a Craig Bellamy free-kick with only three minutes remaining to send Liverpool back to Wembley next month and become the Kop’s latest hero.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” he said. “I had a few chances and should have probably scored earlier. But I kept at it and it was a great ball in by Craig, and I just had to score with that one and I did.

“It’s a great feeling. I’ve had some criticism but I’ve just kept on going. I get the winner here and it’s a great feeling. I believe in myself every day.”

While Carroll has been much-maligned during his time at

Liverpool, captain Steven Gerrard praised his team-mate’s determination to prove people wrong.

“He doesn’t hide and he takes criticism on the chin. That’s what we bought him for, to score big goals, and he’s delivered,” Gerrard said before adding: “We were superb in the second half. We showed superb character. Certain players have had criticism this week but they’ve stood up today. It’s superb to be in the final. It’s great to deliver and one more step and we’re there.”

Everton boss David Moyes accepted his side had only themselves to blame, saying: “It was our own fault because we gave them the opportunities. Any goals, you always look to try to correct them.

“We’d all done the job. We’d done well in the game. They’d missed one chance from Carroll at the back post early on.

“The rest of it we were coping with it fine. But that’s what happens and that’s why if you make mistakes it doesn’t win you trophies. Obviously we’re really sorry and disappointed for the fans who came here after the way we’ve been playing - we’ve been playing well. But we just succumbed to a couple of poor decisions.”