Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists Andy Carroll will prove his worth.

The £35million forward was on the bench for the Reds' triumph at Chelsea.

Lucas said: "Andy has struggled a bit at Liverpool but he has the potential to be a very important player for both club and country.

"With him on the pitch we have to change the style of play a bit, relying more on high balls.

"But he is a crucial player for those games where physicality plays a major part.

"To be honest, we have lots of options because Luis Suarez has worked fine when playing alongside Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt too, which is good for Liverpool. Every top team needs this versatility."