Liverpool forward Andy Carroll admits he is "nervous" about returning to the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday, when his side take on former club Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old, who left the Magpies fourteen months ago for a British record transfer fee of £35 million, has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his move, scoring just eight goals.
Meanwhile, his former employers have enjoyed a superb season and lead the Reds by eight points in the Premier League.
Whilst Carroll admits he is happy to see his former club in the hunt for European football once again, he says he is not sure how the home fans will receive him at the weekend.
"I don’t usually get nervous but this might be a bit different,” Carroll told The Telegraph.
“All of my family and friends will be there but they’re so big on football that I’m not sure who they’ll be supporting.
“It’s great to see Newcastle doing so well. Obviously I support them, was brought up there and was lucky enough to play for them. They will always mean something.”
Although Kenny Dalglish's side have struggled in the league this season, they lifted the League Cup in February and have an FA Cup semi-final against Everton to look forward to in April.
And, though Carroll admitted the club must do better, he believes that their success in the cups does indicate progress.
"We need to be higher in the Premier League and I think everyone knows that," he continued.
“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. If we were to win a double in the cups, it would give everyone a massive lift going into next season.
“As a player, the confidence winning trophies brings is huge. It gives you a lot of pride to say you were part of Liverpool’s history. I came here to win trophies and medals but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly.”
During his short career Carroll has had the opportunity to work under both Alan Shearer and Kenny Dalglish, and he says their guidance has helped his development as a player.
"I’ve been very lucky to learn from those two,” he said told the Liverpool Official Magazine.
“OK, Shearer was only manager at Newcastle for a short time but his presence, his aura, was special.
“Dalglish always talks to us, whether it’s about training, matches or other things. He’s always there helping us, teaching something new.”
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