Carroll can 'fit in' at Liverpool, insists Shelvey

Aug 7, 2012 7:50:00 AM

The promising young midfielder believes the striker has enough quality to contribute to the Anfield side, and says he is relishing the challenge of breaking into the team next term

EXCLUSIVE
By Alex Labidou

Jonjo Shelvey is confident that Andy Carroll has the ability to succeed at Liverpool, despite uncertainty over the striker's future.

The £35 million man has attracted interest from West Ham and former club Newcastle United, after Reds boss Brendan Rodgers admitted the Anfield side would consider offers for Carroll.

However, the former Charlton man insists that the Carroll has plenty to offer his present employers next season.

"Obviously, I've only played with Andy a few times last season but I know what he's about," Shelvey told Goal.com.

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"It's not down to me whether or not he stays, it's down to the boss but Andy is a great player. I think he can fit in."

Shelvey broke into the Liverpool first-team last season under Kenny Dalglish and, although he knows it will be tough to maintain his spot, he admits he is looking forward to featuring alongside players such as Steven Gerrard again.

"It's a lot of guys fighting for three positions, it's going to be tough this season. But it's a challenge that I'm relishing," the 20-year-old added.

"Stevie's had such a big impact for the club and country, the way he plays in the midfield is magnificent. To be on the same team as him is great."

Rodgers' appointment at Liverpool has seen the Ulsterman look to implement his passing style at the Reds, after enjoying great success with a similar ethos at Swansea, and the midfielder is delighted to be playing in a system that suits him.

"It's been good because obviously, he likes to pass the ball around," Shelvey said. "It fits the way how I play and the way some of the other guys play, so it's exciting."

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