Source: Daily_Mail
Kevin Nolan backs Andy Carroll to reach the top after £35m switch
Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan has backed Andy Carroll to go and become one of the best strikers in the Premier League after the powerful No 9 secured a record deadline day transfer to Liverpool. [LNB]Toon idol Carroll moved to Merseyside for a whopping ?35million on Monday, a move which briefly was the most expensive in history between two English clubs. [LNB]It was usurped by Fernando Torres - the man Carroll was bought in to replace - moved south to Chelsea for ?50m.[LNB] Strong bond: Andy Carroll has been backed to reach the top of the game by former team-mate Kevin Nolan[LNB]But Nolan, a boyhood Liverpool fan, believes Anfield will soon forget about their departing Spaniard when Carroll gets into full swing. [LNB]He said: 'You are getting a top, top player. Obviously I've had a lot of texts and calls over the last day or so. I'm quite surprised at how pleased everyone is with it. He's only just burst onto the scene in the last six months.[LNB]'Believe me you have got a top, top player. He's going to be one of the best. There's no-one like him in the league. He'll score and create goals. He'll also show great desire and commitment. That's what Liverpool fans want and deserve.[LNB]'He's still a young lad. Everyone forgets that. He's great around the dressing room. He's funny in his own witty way and as you know I'm very friendly with him.[LNB]'I managed to get away with him with a few times last year with a couple of friends of mine who are going to be in Liverpool and can help him settle in.[LNB] Out of Toon: Andy Carroll claims he was forced out of Newcastle[LNB]'When we first heard about the move he asked me what I thought. You can imagine my reaction. I was delighted for him. He's going to be a great addition to what is a new start for Liverpool.'[LNB]Carroll has emerged as one of the most promising frontman in the Premier League since helping fire Newcastle back to the top flight at the first time of asking.[LNB]Big boots to fill: Fernando Torres left Liverpool for a record ?50m[LNB]His quick start to the campaign caught the eye of Fabio Capello and the 22-year-old was promptly handed his first England cap in November. Nolan knew such recognition wasn't far away. [LNB]'I don't think anyone could say you aren't surprised (at the speed of his development),' he added in the interview with LFC Now. 'We always knew he had the talent. It was just whether he had the temperament. He has got that and has everything.[LNB]'Some things have been written about him that I think have been unfair. When he gets on that pitch with the quality of players you have, with Stevie and the likes of Meireles putting it on a plate for him, he won't let them down. I'm very confident about that.[LNB]'I loved playing with him. He'll give you everything he has got and make sure the central defenders come off knowing they've had a game.[LNB]'People say he's an old-fashioned type of centre forward but I'm sure over the next five years or so you'll see that he has more than that in his game. I think it showed in the goal he scored against Liverpool at our place this season, that he has the talent to strike a great ball too.[LNB]'I'm gutted we've lost him but delighted he's gone to a fantastic club.'[LNB] Four-some: Ancelotti ready to start Torres with duo against LiverpoolPulis wary of Liverpool threat despite the departure of hitman TorresWas Abramovich prepared to spend even more? Anderlecht reject Chelsea bid for ?25m-rated striker LukakuAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinionAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Kevin Nolan, Fernando Torres, Fabio Capello, Andy Carroll Places: Newcastle, Liverpool, United Kingdom
