Liverpool set a new mark when Carroll moved to Anfield for £35million in January, just as Newcastle did when they signed Shearer from Blackburn for £15m in 1996.

'Andy hasn't quite got to the heights I know he can yet,' said Shearer. 'But that £35m fee is a lot to deal with. A lot of these guys, myself included, were brought up on council estates without getting a great education.

'At 16, 17, 18, you are thrust into the spotlight, then you're on big money and you are expected to handle all the stuff that comes with it.

'I do, however, see him as an England centre forward. Once he settles down and score goals, you'll see the fearsome centre forward we saw at Newcastle.

'He's got a great manager who understands the trials and tribulations of being a young footballer.'

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