Liverpool striker Andy Carroll believes he can make his belated debut next week at West Ham United.
Carroll had been pencilled in to make his bow in the clash against Manchester United on March 6.
The £35million striker, 22, has been sidelined with a torn thigh muscle since December.
A friend told The Sun: "Andy is really pleased with how it's going.
"It is not impossible that he could play at Upton Park and he is now focusing on that game."
Reds manager Kenny Dalglish added: "He's a good lad, down to earth.
"You say the punters cannot relate to players and vice versa, but that's not a problem for him."
