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FORMER Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has praised Andy Carroll’s mental strength in bouncing back from his off-field problems.
The 22-year-old, who scored his first goals for new club Liverpool in Monday night’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City, repeatedly found himself in the headlines for his activities away from St James’ Park.
However, Carroll’s form on the pitch won him a £35million January move to Anfield, and Shearer has been hugely impressed by a player with whom he worked briefly during his eight-game spell as Magpies boss.
He said: “Andy is excellent. I like the way he bullies defenders.
“He’s a no-nonsense type of centre-forward – technically good, devastating in the air with a rocket left foot, and deceptively fast.
“What’s more, Andy is mentally very strong, which is so important.
"During all his off-field problems up here, he never let anything affect his game.”
