Joey Barton backs former team-mate Andy Carroll to prove his worth at Liverpool once he is fully fit

EPL: Joey Barton, Blackburn Rovers – Newcastle United (PA)

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Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton is backing Andy Carroll to prove his worth at Liverpool when the 2011-12 Premier League season begins.

The controversial star linked up well with the 22-year-old striker before his £35 million departure to Merseyside on transfer deadline day in the January transfer window.

Barton, 28, told Liverpool TV when attending the Steven Gerrard Foundation golf event in Portugal that the new Anfield No.9 will show his class once rid of injuries.

“It’s always difficult when you go to a new football club and you’re not fully fit,” said Barton.

“He had a niggling injury when they signed him. He’ll be looking to get pre-season under his belt and look to kick on and show Liverpool what an asset they’ve acquired.

“He’s a great lad and we were all gutted to see him leave Newcastle but it was a no-brainer, really.

“He had to go and test himself at a fantastic football club with great tradition.

“I stay in touch and we’re all wishing him well but not when he plays against us!”

Barton’s own future at St James’ Park is uncertain as he continues to clash publicly with the Newcastle hierarchy and will not be signing a new contract at the club.

He’s been linked with a number of sides since the end of the season in May including Liverpool and Aston Villa.

The once-capped England international has been contracted to the Tyneside club since moving from Manchester City in June 2007.