Carroll return to Under-21s is an absolute joke - Aldridge
Published 17:54 29/03/11 By MirrorFootball
Plans to pick Liverpool striker Andy Carroll to play for England in the UEFA Under-21 Championship this summer have been labelled "ridiculous" by Anfield predecessor John Aldridge.
Carroll, the club's £35million record signing, is still working his way back to full fitness after a two-month lay-off with a thigh problem.
The former Newcastle star is set for only his second senior England cap in tonight's friendly against Ghana, but there has already been much debate about whether he should join Stuart Pearce's squad for the June tournament in Denmark.
It is a prospect which Liverpool are not keen on - and one which has been roundly criticised by Aldridge.
"It's an absolute joke. Common sense has to prevail," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I'm not a fan of Pearce but this idea of his really is ridiculous.
"The Under-21s is there as a stepping stone to the senior squad and Carroll has already made that step up.
"Carroll has had a bad injury this season, which took a long time to heal after his move to Anfield from Newcastle in January.
"What he really needs is a decent rest this summer. If he gets that, then both Liverpool and England will reap the benefits of that as he will be firing on all cylinders next season."
Aldridge called on England manager Fabio Capello to thrash the matter out with the clubs.
"It's vital Capello and the club managers work together," he said. "The England boss needs their support. He isn't going to get that by placing unnecessary demands on their players."
