LONDON — Liverpool’s much-criticized $55.5 million (£35 million) striker Andy Carroll scored a priceless late winner to see off Everton and U.S. keeper Tim Howard, booking his team’s place in the 2012 FA Cup final.

After spurning a host of chances in the second half, Carroll headed in Craig Bellamy’s free-kick in the 87th minute to complete a come-from-behind 2-1 victory for the Reds over their archrival at Wembley Stadium in Saturday’s semi-final.

Nikica Jelavic had opened the scoring for in-form Everton on 24 minutes after Jamie Carragher’s hashed clearance rebounded off Tim Cahill in the box.

But Reds striker Luis Suarez intercepted a weak back pass from Toffees defender Sylvain Distin to equalize just after the hour mark, before strike partner Carroll flicked in the winner.

The result returns Liverpool to Wembley for the May 5 final, where the team will face the winner of Sunday’s second semi-final between London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea.

The win also eased pressure on Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who has been criticized for the heavily-invested team’s poor showing in the English Premier League this season, despite winning the League Cup.

Reds owners John Henry and Tom Werner, who snubbed Saturday’s semi-final to return to Boston for the Red Sox’s Opening Day on Friday, fired director of football Damien Comolli this week following the transfer failings.

But Carroll’s goal gives them another chance to attend Wembley as English soccer’s most successful club bids to lift the FA Cup for an eighth time.