Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear says he's ready to start Andy Carroll today against Liverpool.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I think Andy has a chance.

"We have Mark Viduka out with a groin injury and Shola (Ameobi) and Oba (Obafemi Martins) out.

"So there is every chance Andy will get a run in the team."

And Kinnear - who took Michael Owen off against Wigan to give him a breather before tomorrow's big clash - says he was impressed by Carroll's contribution.

He added: "To be fair to Andy, he was a handful when he came on.

"I took Michael off just to give him a break.

"We want to get the best out of him with two games in less than 48 hours, so it was to save him for Liverpool."