Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan has defended Andy Carroll over his move to Liverpool.
Nolan is a Reds fan and close to his former Toon teammate.
He told LFC Now: "I don't think anyone could say you aren't surprised (at the speed of his development).
"We always knew he had the talent. It was just whether he had the temperament. He has got that and has everything.
"Some things have been written about him that I think have been unfair. When he gets on that pitch with the quality of players you have, with Stevie and the likes of Meireles putting it on a plate for him, he won't let them down. I'm very confident about that.
"I loved playing with him. He'll give you everything he has got and make sure the central defenders come off knowing they've had a game.
"People say he's an old-fashioned type of centre forward but I'm sure over the next five years or so you'll see that he has more than that in his game. I think it showed in the goal he scored against Liverpool at our place this season, that he has the talent to strike a great ball too.
"I'm gutted we've lost him but delighted he's gone to a fantastic club."
