Andy Carroll is committed to his career at Liverpool, says friends. Carroll has been linked with a return to Newcastle United.

But a source close to the player told the Sunday Mirror: "Andy is no quitter and suggestions he is looking for a route out of the club are ­absolute rubbish. He works tirelessly for the team but naturally there is an element of frustration when he's not finding the net with increasing regularity and finds the service he is receiving substandard.

"Andy didn't go to Liverpool to fail.

"Although he had absolutely nothing to do with the price tag on his shoulders he is still being held accountable for failing to deliver after the moment Liverpool paid to sign him from Newcastle.

"He has spoken to the manager on a number of occasions about his immediate concerns. He thrives on service and at the moment that isn't forthcoming."