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IT looks as though Andy Carroll’s Liverpool career is over, and whilst I understand the decision made by Brendan Rodgers, I can’t help thinking the big man may be worth another chance at Anfield.

I can appreciate that Brendan has his way of playing, and I support his philosophy. But when it comes down to the last 20 minutes, and you need a goal, then to have a player like Andy Carroll to throw into the mix is a real asset.

He’s a handful, he frightens defenders and he can, if given the chance, score goals.

Whether he would be happy to be a bit-part player, of course, is another matter, and perhaps gets a little overlooked when people discuss his future. He’s 24, and I’m sure he’s an ambitious lad. He played for England at the European Championships, and with a World Cup on the horizon, he needs to be playing football.

The signs are that he simply doesn’t fit into Rodgers’ plans, not now and not ever. It’s a shame, because at times last season we saw glimpses of exactly why Kenny Dalglish wanted to sign him. I won’t forget his performance in the FA Cup final, for example.

In the meantime, his absence for West Ham on Sunday is Liverpool’s game. I would fancy the Reds to win in any case, but being without Carroll takes plenty away from West Ham, who don’t travel well in any case.