Andy Carroll 'didn't work hard enough' to become a success at Liverpool – according to former Anfield team-mate Craig Bellamy.

In an honest and forthright assessment of the Geordie striker's career, the Welshman criticised the 'drive' of Carroll, and compared him unfavourably with current Reds skipper Jordan Henderson.

Bellamy was a senior member of Kenny Dalglish's squad in the 2011/12 season, which served as the first full Liverpool campaign for both Carroll and Henderson.

But while Carroll would be loaned out the following season after just 18 months at the club – despite being Liverpool's most expensive signing at the time – Henderson would remain, amidst interest from Fulham, and has now made 262 appearances for the team he captains.

Carroll has been linked with a surprise move to Chelsea, but Bellamy has questioned why the 29-year-old is wanted at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on Sky Sports' The Debate, he said: “His strength is in the air, he's very difficult to deal with. But, in general play, he's very difficult to link with, he doesn't see the game.

"My conversations always with Andy were... I don't believe he worked hard enough during the week to be the player he wanted to become. I never seen an inch of that, like with Jordan Henderson.

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“He was going through a difficult period at that time as well, but he just trained and trained and trained, he kept improving, going to the gym. He worked, and I knew, I remember saying to him, 'You're going to be a top player. I know it, just by your attitude, and the ability you have, it will come'. I never felt that was going to be the case with Andy."

Carroll endured a difficult time on Merseyside following his £35million move from Newcastle in 2011, scoring 11 goals in 58 games.

He moved to West Ham, first on loan and then permanently, and has scored 32 goals in 128 games in his near six-year spell in the capital.

Bellamy, who played with Carroll during his second spell at Liverpool, didn't see enough from the big striker to suggest he can succeed at a bigger club.

"He went to gym and felt stiff, then he felt that he didn't want to go to the gym any more,” he added. “Are his injuries part of that he doesn't look after himself? I felt that is always the case with Andy.

“I just feel he doesn't have the mentality or drive to be a top player, to be at Chelsea levels or be at Liverpool for more than one season, and that's just what I've always felt with Andy.

“I was surprised he was linked to Chelsea."