Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Andy Carroll's desire and determination to fight for a first-team place.

Carroll's future has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham United reportedly close to signing the striker.

However, Rodgers recently hinted that Carroll could remain at the club, although he was keen to stress that the 23-year-old was not guaranteed a starting place.

"When I first came in I had a conversation with him about where I thought he was at," said Rodgers. "I've got to say Andy has been terrific. He knows exactly where he stands. He's like every player - he'll have to fight for his position.

"There are not many clubs you can go to and be a guaranteed starter. I understand Andy wants to play games but he also really enjoys it here and I have had a number of conversations with him.

"So we're just seeing how that develops but by the time the window shuts, whatever players are being speculated about, everyone has to be focused purely on being here. And certainly with the likes of Andy, from what I have seen, that has been the case."

Carroll has scored 11 goals in 56 games for Liverpool since his £35m transfer last January.