Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Andy Carroll has not allowed the summer speculation linking him away from the club to affect him.
England striker Carroll, 23, has struggled to match expectations at Anfield since making a £35m move from Newcastle in January 2011.
He has scored 11 times for the Reds in 56 appearances and his future is unclear following the arrival of close-season appointment Rodgers.
Newly-promoted West Ham were interested in signing Carroll on loan with a view to a permanent deal, but any potential move has been ruled out by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce this week.
Former club Newcastle are also monitoring the situation and it remains to be seen what role the Gateshead-born player will play in Liverpool's opening game of the Premier League season at West Brom on Saturday.
But Rodgers says Carroll is mentally ready to play if called upon, saying: "He's coped with the speculation fine.
"Unfortunately you cannot control what is written and the speculation out there, but he's coped well.
"We've spoke, our communication has been open and he's worked very hard on the training ground since he has been here and since I have been here. I haven't had a problem with him.
"He knows where he stands within the group. We will see how that develops."
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