Image:Carroll and Barton: Formed a productive partnership at St James' Park
Joey Barton has backed former Newcastle team-mate Andy Carroll to prove his worth at Liverpool next season.
Magpies midfielder backs Reds striker to justify price tag
Joey Barton has backed former Newcastle team-mate Andy Carroll to prove his worth at Liverpool next season.
The England international striker completed a £35million move to Anfield during the January transfer window.
He made the move to Merseyside while carrying an injury and struggled for full fitness during the second half of the campaign, restricting him to two goals in eight appearances.
He will be eager to showcase his talents when fully fit in 2011/12 and is being tipped to be a Premier League success story by a former colleague who struck up a productive partnership with him during their days together at St James' Park.
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Magpies midfielder Barton told the Liverpool Daily Post: "It's always difficult when you go to a new football club and you're not fully fit.
"He had a niggling injury when they signed him. He'll be looking to get pre-season under his belt and look to kick on and show Liverpool what an asset they've acquired.
"He's a great lad and we were all gutted to see him leave Newcastle but it was a no-brainer, really. He had to go and test himself at a fantastic football club with great tradition.
"I stay in touch and we're all wishing him well but not when he plays against us!"
