Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has claimed that the Merseyside club remain right behind Andy Carroll, despite a mismatched first full season with the Reds.

The 23-year-old is due to face his former club Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena for the first time since his £35m switch to Anfield in January last year.

While the Magpies believe that they have capitalised from the sale of the Geordie forward, Dalglish claims that the Reds are still "delighted" to have clinched the England international.

"There are always going to be people saying it was good or bad. But that doesn't make any difference really," said Dalglish. "For me, we were delighted to get him and we're still very pleased to have him.

"We have said all along about the boys who have come in that some settle in quicker than others - and in the environment away from football, too.

"The quicker you settle in, the better chance you're going to give yourself. I think Andy's settled in the area, and he's worked really hard to progress his career."

Carroll has netted eight goals in 47 appearances.