Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has praised Andy Carroll for not allowing his off-field problems to affect his goalscoring ability. The 22-year-old scored his first goals for new club Liverpool in Monday night's 3-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Manchester City.
Shearer, who worked with Carroll during his brief tenure as temporary Toon boss, told the Evening Chronicle: "Andy is excellent. I like the way he bullies defenders.
"He's a no-nonsense type of centre-forward - technically good, devastating in the air with a rocket left foot, and deceptively fast.
"What's more, Andy is mentally very strong, which is so important. During all his off-field problems up here, he never let anything affect his game."
Match of the Day pundit Shearer also revealed he has been close to accepting a first permanent managerial post.
He said: "Yes, I have had interviews and got close to taking a managerial job. I loved my eight weeks at Newcastle, despite the way it ended.
"I would seriously consider going back into football, but it would have to be right.
"It's imperative that you have a chance of success at your first job. That's what I would be looking for."
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