Carra backs Crouch bid

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has backed team-mate Peter Crouch.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has backed Peter Crouch to earn the right to be Michael Owen's partner when England tackle Austria in Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Carragher admits a lot of people wanted to see the duo form a little and large partnership at Anfield this term but Owen instead ended up at Newcastle United after agreeing a switch from Real Madrid.

With Wayne Rooney sidelined after picking up two yellow cards, Crouch is expected to fend off competition from Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent to secure a starting spot at Old Trafford.

"I think Wayne Rooney is suspended for the next game and so I think Peter's got as good a chance as anyone in the country of playing alongside probably Michael," Carragher informed Sky Sports News.

"I think that would be a great partnership as well.

"It's probably something some would like to have seen at Anfield but he's started very well at Anfield.

"I think the only thing he is missing now is a goal."

Crouch has yet to get off the mark for his new club since swapping Southampton for Merseyside during the close season.