Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has backed Andy Carroll to eventually live up to his record-breaking price tag.
Pardew reluctantly sold the 22-year-old to the Reds, who host the Magpies on Friday evening, on the final day of the last January transfer window when owner Mike Ashley decided a bid of £35million was simply too good to refuse.
The transfer came as a huge blow to the manager, who had seen the Gateshead-born frontman take to Premier League football with a commendable relish under predecessor Chris Hughton and provide the spearhead for Newcastle on their return to the top flight.
Almost 12 months on, Carroll's lack of form and that of the man he replaced at Anfield, Chelsea's Fernando Torres, is the subject of an intense debate with the combined £85million which was paid for them looking ever more expensive.
However, Pardew, like Liverpool counterpart Kenny Dalglish, remains convinced Carroll will prove his worth sooner rather than later.
He said: "He hasn't really had a run in that Liverpool side and like all strikers, he probably needs a run.
"He's a great lad and a great player. I like Andy.
"It was disappointing to see him left out of the England squad the last time because I think he can be an England player and England's No.9.
"He is going through a period of transition at a new club, finding his feet and finding out that they play slightly differently to how we did here, but he will find his way."
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