Newcastle United assistant manager John Carver has claimed that the sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool has proved to be a positive move for the North East side.

The Geordie striker made the switch from Tyneside to Anfield in January last year for £35m, and Carver has stated that the money received for the towering frontman was spent on the likes of Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse.

"The money we got is back on the pitch," Carver told the Shields Gazette. "Yohan, Demba and Papiss have given us our mettle.

"The proof's always in the pudding. You look at the way the new signings have played along with the rest of the team, and the fact that the three foreign players have came in and done so well."

Newcastle will welcome Carroll back to the Sports Direct Arena for the first time since his move when the Magpies face Liverpool on Sunday.