Last Updated: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:46
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish understands that £35million striker Andy Carroll may be nervous about his return to Newcastle United.
Liverpool's record signing has faced his former club twice since leaving in January last year but both have been at Anfield and both ended in comfortable wins for Dalglish's men.
But the Geordie hitman is likely to face a hostile welcome from fans who once adored him and chanted his name at the Gallowgate End.
On Liverpool's last visit there in December 2010 Carroll was an influential figure in the Magpies' 3-1 win, scoring once himself, but the goals have dried up this season at Anfield.
Liverpool now sit eight points adrift of sixth-placed Newcastle after a run of five defeats in six Barclays Premier League matches, while Newcastle have new heroes up front in Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse.
Dalglish, himself an ex-Newcastle manager, fully understands any pre-match anxiety for the striker.
"It's not a bad thing, is it? If you weren't nervous you'd have a bit of a problem," said the Scot.
"In my case it was always best to be nervous rather than totally laid back."
Punters who fancy Carroll to lead Liverpool to victory at the Sports Direct Arena can take advantage of a free bet and get involved ahead of the clash on Sunday.
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
