Alan Shearer today backed Andy Carroll to become an Anfield star under the guidance of Kenny Dalglish.

Carroll is battling to overcome injury in time to face his former club this afternoon, when Liverpool will be looking for three points to overtake Tottenham and climb into fifth place in the Barclays Premier League table.

And Shearer insists the great potential Carroll showed during his time in the north east will be fully realised under Dalglish at Anfield.

"Like every other Newcastle United supporter, I was extremely disappointed to see Andy Carroll sold to Liverpool," said Shearer.

"He is a very good player but he is now playing for a great man and manager, and he'll learn a lot from Kenny. When he does, Andy will turn out to be a fantastic player."

"If he does play, he is going to be very difficult to handle although I don't suppose the Newcastle players need me to tell them this. On the day it will still depend on what service he receives from the rest of the side.

"Andy will want to score against Newcastle, there is no doubt about that. He will only be trying to do his job.

"And if he does score, it does not mean he loves Newcastle any less. He is a Geordie and he will always love them."