Joe Cole tip Carroll to be The new Drogba!
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The new Drogba! Carroll tipped to eclipse Chelsea star after heroics for England
Beware of the new Drog: Joe Cole reckons Andy Carroll can be even better than Chelsea star Didier Drogba
Joe Cole has jumped on the Andy Carroll bandwagon and hailed his Liverpool team-mate as the new Didier Drogba - but reckons the England striker can be even better.
Praise was heaped upon Carroll, 22, after he celebrated his first international goal in only his second start during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Ghana at Wembley.
And Cole has likened the ex-Newcastle star's influence to that of former Chelsea colleague Drogba, insisting the £35million January recruit has a very bright career ahead of him at Anfield.
'He’s very much like Didier Drogba,' said Cole, speaking to LFC Weekly.
'Andy’s 22 - we all know what a cracking player Didier is, but he wasn’t playing at this level at that age.
'There’s still a lot of developing for Andy to do so he can get better and better.'
Carroll was the toast of England on Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after England boss Fabio Capello had ordered him to keep off the ale in pursuit of excellence.
Carroll scored his first international goal to fire Capello's team into a first-half lead but Ghana levelled the friendly in stoppage time with a brilliant solo effort from Asamoah Gyan.
'I'm here and I'm ready to score goals if I'm picked,' said Carroll, who was winning only his second England cap and starting only his third game since 10 weeks out injured.
'It's great to be playing again,' he added.
Handy Andy: England boss fabio Capello was delighted with Carroll's strike against Ghana
Capello took the Liverpool centre-forward aside at the England camp to discuss the reputation he has quickly acquired as a hard-drinking party animal and the Italian was reluctant to shower praise on the striker, even after his goalscoring display.
'Carroll scored a goal but needs more time to improve,' said the England manager.
'He can improve a lot. He's a really important player and it's important for the striker to score a goal.
'I remember him before he suffered injury problems. He ran around a lot and would always fight. With the bigger players, it's impossible to improve really quickly, like Aaron Lennon and Jack Wilshere.'
Asked if Carroll would be allowed to celebrate his first England goal with a beer, Capello replied: 'This is a question for Kenny Dalglish.'
Red alert: Cole, who has struggled so far at Liverpool, is determined to become a hit on Merseyside
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looks like theres hope for Liverpool (:
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He is still far from finished.
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who's joe cole?