Dalglish thrilled with Suárez’s growing influence at Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish has hailed Luis Suárez’s influence at Liverpool both on and off the pitch, describing the forward as a “great ambassador” for the club.

Suárez struck twice in the second half of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the Carling Cup on Wednesday to book the Reds’ place in the quarter-finals.

And the Liverpool manager has been full of praise for the 24-year-old striker, who has already scored eight goals this term, for the positive impact he has had at the club since arriving from Ajax in January.

“He’s been fantastic,” said Dalglish. “Everybody can see what he can do on the pitch. He’s got no edge to him. He doesn’t think he is better than anyone else and he’s fantastic in and around the football club. He’s a great ambassador for the club as well.

“He’s only been here since January and we are already running out of compliments to pay him. That in itself is a huge compliment.”

The Uruguay international is facing allegations of using racist language towards Patrice Evra during the club’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United two weeks ago.

But Dalglish insists racism isn’t present at Liverpool and he is looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation. “I dont think it’s prevalent in the game here, certainly not at this football club,” he added.

“We’ve got a case going on ourselves which seems to be dragging its feet – we’d rather have it done and dusted. [But] I don’t see racism as far as this football club is concerned.”