Alan Shearer backs Andy Carroll to find form

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has backed Liverpool striker Andy Carroll to find his form in the second part of the season.

Carroll, who joined Liverpool from the Magpies last January, has struggled to make an impact at Anfield, scoring just three goals in 19 appearances this season.

Shearer has insisted, however, that the powerful forward will produce the goods as the season wears on.

"He needs a regular run in the team, first and foremost. He might get that if Suarez does serve his ban. He needs a goal. He's desperate for a goal like any other centre-forward," Shearer told talkSPORT.

"He needs a run in the team – then you might see the best of him. At Newcastle the whole system was designed for him.

"They played through him. Every time they got the ball they got it into the box and he thrived on that."

Carroll could line up against his former club when Newcastle travel to Anfield in the Premier League on Friday evening.