Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore believes that Andy Carroll will be at his best for the Reds after a couple of seasons.
The 22-year-old has come under pressure after failing to make an impact at Anfield after his £35m move from Newcastle United in January.
The England international has also endured some personal criticism from Three Lions boss Fabio Capello after the Italian questioned his lifestyle.
Despite the negativity towards the former Newcastle hitman, Collymore is confident that Carroll will have a long-term career at Liverpool.
"Andy Carroll will be there for the next five years," Collymore told talkSPORT. "Of course there's pressure to score goals, but [manager] Kenny Dalglish has taken him out of the equation sometimes.
"The price tag is something the player can do nothing about. It doesn't equate to whether he's as good as Fabregas or Ronaldo, that's left to supporters. It just means they've had to pay the price for young, English talent to be at Liverpool for four or five years.
"We'll see the best of him, not this season, not next season but two seasons following."
It is unclear whether the striker will start at White Hart Lane when the Reds take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Danielle Joynson
