Alan Shearer believes Andy Carroll can establish himself as Wayne Rooney's England strike partner thanks to the guidance he is receiving from Kenny Dalglish.

Shearer enjoyed his best years as a striker when playing under Dalglish at Blackburn and is convinced Carroll can realise his considerable potential now the Scotsman is his manager at Liverpool.

Concerns have been raised about the 22-year-old's lifestyle, with Fabio Capello publicly urging him to drink less and act more professionally off the pitch.

Lift off: Carroll opened his account for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby

Shearer expressed some surprise that the England boss should criticise a player like that.

'I was slightly surprised,' he said. 'I wouldn't have been happy if he'd come out and done that to me in public. He had his own reasons but I was brought up with managers who tried to keep things in-house.'

Shearer considers Dalglish to be such a manager. 'When I moved to Blackburn, I had great guidance there,' he said. 'I know Kenny hasn't changed and I am sure he will protect Andy and look after him in the same way.

'Andy's been brought up in the North East, where people enjoy their life. That's all he's known. He's still inexperienced in life and as a footballer.'

Shearer worked with Carroll, who scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in the 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday, during his short time in charge at St James' Park and he also understands the pressure that comes with being the most expensive British footballer in history.

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