Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is set to be given his first start of the season against Hearts in Eu

Carroll is set to be given his first start of the season against Hearts in the Europa League clash at Tynecastle. His only previous first-team action so far this season was as a 78th-minute substitute in last weekend’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at West Brom. Rodgers had indicated Carroll would be on his way out and his former club Newcastle were strong favourites for his signature. However, the Toon have offered only £12million for a striker Liverpool bought for £35m just 18 months ago – and Rodgers says a deal will not go ahead unless Newcastle up their offer considerably. More... • Brendan Rodgers gives his Liverpool big names a Euro break

I would need to be a nutcase to even consider at this moment to let Andy Carroll go unless there are other solutions for that New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers

• Brendan Rodgers: I don't need top Kops to break Hearts • West Ham deny £2m Andy Carroll loan from Liverpool “I need a minimum of three strikers,” said Rodgers. “Once the window shuts, that is it until January. I have got Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and Andy Carroll. “I would need to be a nutcase to even consider at this moment to let Andy Carroll go unless there are other solutions for that.

“Andy has been working well. He knows the situation, like the rest of the group do and we will take it from there.” When asked about a possible loan deal, Rodgers said: “Absolutely no chance – and certainly not to Newcastle. “Newcastle got £35m for this player last year. To even consider wanting to take him on loan is a liberty, really. “The club is working very hard behind the scenes to manage that process to allow us to get some players in but, in terms of depth, it’s nowhere near where I would want it to be. There is still a wee bit of time left and hopefully, come the end of August, we will be ready to go on with the group that we want.”