Jamie Carragher has claimed that Liverpool's decision to spend £35m on Andy Carroll was a "big mistake", questioning the striker's training credentials and adding that he "wasn't the right fit for the club".

After struggling for form and fitness during his time at Anfield, the 25-year-old forward was loaned to West Ham United just 18 months later and went on to complete a permanent transfer last year.

Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "If we could have got [Carroll] for between £12-15m, it would have been good business. The feeling around the club when we were in for him was that maybe he could mature into our Didier Drogba.

"Unfortunately, though, Liverpool's decision to pay £35m was a big mistake and it never did Andy any favours. He started well, with two goals against Manchester City on his first start, but it quickly became apparent he wasn't the right fit for the club.

"He would very rarely complete a full week on the training field at Melwood and, eventually, that takes a toll. If you aren't fully conditioned, you are susceptible to injuries and Andy suffered his fair share."

Carroll will come up against his former club tomorrow when he lines up for the Hammers at Upton Park.