Former Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has revealed how Liverpool's record signing Andy Carroll would break down in tears as a junior player.
Carroll had to work hard for his first team debut in a UEFA Cup tie at Palermo in 2006 - and that included some rough and ready treatment on the training field.
Former Toon boss Glenn Roeder, who gave Carroll his big chance, said: "It certainly wasn't all plain sailing for Andy.
"When he first appeared on the scene he was a tall skinny kid and his co-ordination was all over the place.
''He reminded me of a giraffe! Two of the older lads, David Edgar and Paul Huntingdon, gave Andy a bit of a rough time at training and he used to well up - there were tears in his eyes.
"But Andy coped well and turned himself into the tough guy and the player he is today. His rise has been nothing short of meteoric.''
