STRIKER Andy Carroll believes Liverpool have shown they are better placed to cope without the services of influential duo Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

The experienced pair were absent for Saturday’s 2-0 win at West Brom and although Carragher’s calf problem is unlikely to keep him out for long, the extent of the problem with Gerrard’s infected ankle has yet to be determined.

Liverpool’s captain, pictured leaving hospital on Sunday with his leg in a cast or heavy strapping, is likely to find out in the next 24 hours what course of action needs to be taken to return him to full fitness.

But Carroll, a £35m January signing from Newcastle, has had to play virtually all his short Reds career without Gerrard – who was sidelined for six months in March after a groin operation.

In fact, with Carroll’s injury problems delaying his debut last season, the pair have been on the pitch together in just four matches.

And Gerrard, Carroll and Luis Suarez, the new focal point of Liverpool’s attacking options, have never started a match together.

However, the former Newcastle striker is confident the squad now assembled by manager Kenny Dalglish after some significant summer spending is wellequipped to cope with such issues.

“It was tough not having Stevie or Carra in the squad,” said the 22-year-old England international.

“They are great players and we need them in the team once they’ve got over their little niggles.

“But we have fantastic players that can come in. The game showed we’ve got lads who can step in when needed and do a job.

“We showed what we can do. We passed it around well and deserved the three points.”