Kenny Dalglish believes Andy Carroll's European debut for Liverpool against Braga last week will live long in the striker's memory - for more than one reason.

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The Reds' record signing was introduced as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 defeat at the Estadio AXA and caused a multitude of problems for the hosts with a commanding aerial display.

However, Carroll found himself on the receiving end of an elbow to the head from Braga defender Kaka, and required several minutes of treatment from the club's medical team before he was able to resume the contest.

"With regards to Andy Carroll's impact, the biggest impact was what was asked after the game about when he got caught with the elbow from Kaka," Dalglish told reporters at a pre-match press conference.

"I never saw it at the game, but I've seen it since and if there is no retribution from UEFA it will be a real surprise to me.

"That is what Andy will remember most from the game."

Carroll's appearance in northern Portugal was his second in a Liverpool jersey since recovering from the thigh injury that kept him sidelined for the first few weeks of his Anfield career.

Click on the play button to watch Kenny's views on THAT elbow

The Reds continue to be delighted with the 22-year-old's recuperation, but Dalglish refused to be drawn on whether he could be handed his full debut in the return meeting with Braga on Thursday evening.

He said: "The fitter he gets, the more tempting it will be (to start him). But when that day comes, or when it will be, we don't know.

"He's fit and well, but what we're going to do with him remains to be seen. We either start with him or he comes on in the second half - it's up to us to make that decision.

"That will be decided by how he goes about training, how we look at him in training and what we think is best for us on the night.

"We have been pleased with everything he's done. The way he has recuperated from his injury, the way he has trained and the way he has gone about his job when he has got on the pitch - there is nothing that has been disappointing for us."

Elsewhere, Dalglish confirmed several first-team players are well on the road to recovery following injury problems of their own.

As revealed by Liverpoolfc.tv on Tuesday afternoon, Daniel Agger and Jonjo Shelvey are back in training.

However, Steven Gerrard, Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio are continuing recuperation programmes at Melwood.

Asked by reporters which of the injured players could face Braga, Dalglish responded: "Danny (Agger) and Jonjo are training. Danny would have the best chance out of everyone, but whether he'll be close enough to be playing, we don't know.

"Steven's had his operation, he looks good, feels good, and he's started rehabilitating already. Martin is progressing as we thought he would do after his hamstring strain, and Fabio is the same.

"Jonjo is training and that's a big plus for him and for us as well."

Liverpool will attempt to overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit at Anfield having enjoyed a free weekend to prepare for Braga's arrival.

Click on the image to watch the pre-match press conference in full

Dalglish added: "The more games you have to play, the bigger the risk is of picking up injuries.

"Having the weekend off hasn't done us any harm. Braga also had the weekend off, so we haven't gained anything in that aspect, but certainly for ourselves I think it's been helpful."

Dalglish was joined at the top table by Jay Spearing as the pair fielded questions from the world's media at Melwood on Wednesday morning.

The boss has shown great faith in the club's youngsters since returning to the helm in January, with Spearing making three appearances including a start in the Merseyside derby with Everton.

Martin Kelly, meanwhile, was a regular in Dalglish's team selections until sustaining a hamstring injury at West Ham.

Questioned about how the impressive form of the Reds' youngsters impacts upon deciding on his line-ups, the gaffer responded: "In a way I suppose you could say it makes it easier, but in another way it makes it difficult because they have pushed themselves right to the forefront.

"Jay started the Merseyside derby - we never knew he had his injury at that stage - and he did really well in the game. It was disappointing for him to come back in and find out he was actually injured when he played the game.

"He is a fantastic character. When you work with him, you see things you hadn't noticed before.

"Martin had been fantastic for us until he pulled his hamstring. To get young boys into the squad, challenging for positions and holding down positions is great for everybody connected with the football club.

"We've always said it doesn't matter to us where you're born, although if it's within the local area it gives everyone a lift."

If you want to go and support the Reds on Thursday night then tickets for the clash with Braga are still available from the ticket office windows at Anfield.