Nolan on Carroll: He's no boozer - he's one of the most misunderstood people I know
Published 17:12 30/07/11 By Paul Smith
Kevin Nolan has leapt to the defence of his close friend Andy Carroll.
Carroll completed a £35million move to Liverpool last January but his initial form was interrupted by injury.
Now the striker is determined to prove wrong whispers that he’s a troublemaker who likes a drink.
EXCLUSIVE Kevin Nolan interview: Not going up will be an 'unmitigated disaster'
Nolan said: “Andy is one of the most misunderstood people I know. You couldn’t meet a nicer lad. I’m like his older brother and at times he can be a right pain in the backside.
“But believe me he is a top player and despite all this talk about the fee involved, Andy will prove his worth to both Liverpool and England.
“For a young lad he’s been through an awful lot and come out the other side. It just annoys me that people still seem intent on writing rubbish about him.
“He likes the occasional drink, but show me a footballer who doesn’t when it’s appropriate to do so.
“Since he moved to Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish he’s behaved like a saint.
“If anything it’s his enthusiasm and desire to play that gets him into trouble. Andy didn’t go to Liverpool to sit on the bench. So when he’s injured he’s too eager to play when he’s not fully fit.
“He’s the first person to hold his hands up if he’s done something wrong, but he’s settled down with a new girl. Things couldn’t be going better for him.”
