Liverpool's striker fears reinforced

Sir Geoff Hurst believes Andy Carroll should heed the advice given to him by England manager Fabio Capello about his lifestyle choices.

The Italian boss criticised the Liverpool striker about his constant drinking, and questioned the player's lifestyle in the wake of several injury concerns in the last 12 months.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was quick to jump to the defence of the 22-year-old, however Hurst says Capello's words were justified.

“If a manager had said something like that about me in my playing days I’d have sat up and taken notice, and hopefully that’s the reaction he gets from the current players," he said.

 

“He obviously feels strongly about it, and there is a concern. He’s talking about things that other people in football have been talking about. At Newcastle and at Liverpool there have been reports Carroll's behaviour has not been what it should be.

“He’s got a great opportunity. He’s at a fantastic club, he’s in the England camp, and he’s got an unbelievable opportunity to put himself up there with the best players we’ve had in that position for a long time.

“But there are concerns he’s not focussing 100% into doing everything he can to be successful.”

Carroll began his Liverpool with a bang upon his move from Newcastle United, however the England forward, who made a cameo appearance for his country during last week's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, is yet to hit the target this season.