Alan Shearer is convinced that Andy Carroll could make a successful return to Newcastle United.

Carroll has the been the subject of a loan bid from his former club and Shearer believes that Liverpool's loss would be United's gain.

Shearer told The Sun: "Andy is an England centre-forward and I wouldn't say he has been a flop at Liverpool by any means.

"Make no mistake, he is a very good footballer. I can fully understand why Newcastle are in for him and I think it would be a great move."

Carroll underlined his credentials at Euro 2012, scoring with a bullet header against Sweden in his only start. Shearer is sure that Carroll would thrive if he re-joins his boyhood club.

He said: "There is an old saying that you should never go back but, in Andy's case, I don't think it would be a mistake at all.

"He was hero-worshipped by the crowd first time around and they would warm to him again. Andy loved playing there and whatever the fans felt about him leaving to join Liverpool, I'm sure he would win them over quickly."

Carroll continues to be courted by a string of Premier League clubs, with his future at Liverpool looking uncertain.