Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says West Ham striker Andy Carroll is one of the best players of his type in Europe.

The England striker was signed by former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish for a club-record £35m but was loaned to the Hammers after Rodgers took charge before completing a permanent move last summer.

Stewart Downing also joined West Ham from Liverpool in the close season, and both could face their former club in Sunday's Premier League game at Upton Park.