Liverpool's Carroll 'nervous' of return to Newcastle

Liverpool's £35 million who was linked to a return to his former club Newcastle is "nervous" of returning to St James' Park on Sunday.

The former Magpies No 9 was a hero during his time at the Toon before quitting for Anfield in January 2011.

He has faced his old employers twice and failed to score on both occasions.

Carroll said: "I don't usually get nervous but this might be a bit different.

"All of my family and friends will be there but they're so big on football I'm not sure who they'll be supporting.
 
"It's great to see Newcastle doing so well.

"I support them, was brought up there and was lucky enough to have played for them. They will always mean something."
 
If Newcastle win they will open up an 11-point gap against Liverpool and could even drop down to ninth if other results go against them.
 
Dalglish has come under fire for the Reds' poor league form after splashing more than £120m on players.
 
However, the Scot has managed to deliver the Carling Cup and has guided Liverpool into the semi-finals of the FA Cup — a feat that represents progress, according to Carroll.
 
The England ace said: "We need to be higher in the Premier League and I think everyone knows that.
 
"We know we must win more games at home. But we have done very well in the cups so far, winning the Carling Cup and reaching the semis of the FA Cup. So there has been progress.