West Ham United midfielder Kevin Nolan has rubbished claims Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has a booze problem.
The pair are close from their time at Newcastle United.
Nolan told the Sunday Mirror: "Andy is one of the most misunderstood people I know. You couldn't meet a nicer lad. I'm like his older brother and at times he can be a right pain in the backside.
"But believe me he is a top player and despite all this talk about the fee involved, Andy will prove his worth to both Liverpool and England.
"For a young lad he's been through an awful lot and come out the other side. It just annoys me that people still seem intent on writing rubbish about him.
"He likes the occasional drink, but show me a footballer who doesn't when it's appropriate to do so.
"Since he moved to Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish he's behaved like a saint.
"If anything it's his enthusiasm and desire to play that gets him into trouble. Andy didn't go to Liverpool to sit on the bench. So when he's injured he's too eager to play when he's not fully fit.
"He's the first person to hold his hands up if he's done something wrong, but he's settled down with a new girl. Things couldn't be going better for him."
