Carroll can be England’s main man, insists former boss Pardew

NEWCASTLE manager Alan Pardew is backing Andy Carroll to lead the line for England once he finds his feet at Liverpool.

Pardew reluctantly sold the 22-year-old to the Reds, who host the Magpies on the final day of the last January transfer window when owner Mike Ashley decided a bid of £35 million (€41 million) was simply too good to turn down.

That came as a huge blow to the manager, who had seen the Gateshead-born frontman take to Barclays Premier League football with a commendable relish under predecessor Chris Hughton and provide the spearhead for Newcastle on their return to the top flight.