Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has described Liverpool striker Andy Carroll as "a great asset" ahead of the two sides' Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Carroll is out of favour at the Merseyside club but could still feature against the defending English champions.
"When Andy comes on or if he starts, you know you are in for a game," Hart is quoted as saying in The Mirror. "I don't think centre-halves want to play against him.
"He might not please everyone, but he is a hell of a good, hard player. He's slapped two past me at Anfield before. I would back him to succeed whichever way he turns.
"If he stays at Liverpool, there is no reason why we can't see him in that starting lineup and everything is resolved. He is a great asset for anyone who has him."
Carroll joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in January 2011 for £35m.