ALAN Pardew admits he would take £35million man Andy Carroll back to Newcastle United if he had the chance.

United travel to Anfield tomorrow night with the 6ft 3ins frame of Gateshead-born Carroll casting a long shadow over proceedings.

The striker has failed to settle at Liverpool since making his controversial move from St James’ Park at the turn of the year – but Pardew has taken no joy in his struggles and has little time for suggestions Newcastle are in better shape for his departure.

He says he would have Carroll back on Tyneside tomorrow if Liverpool were willing to sell at the right price. While not suggesting that will happen in January – Pardew has ruled out a striker joining next month – it is a clear indication of how seriously the United boss is taking the threat of Carroll.

He said: “You never want to lose great players and we never wanted to lose him. I would take him back if I had the chance. If the fee was not as high as it was, then he would still be here.

“It was a decision, as a football manager, which was a very difficult one for me.

“I was 60-40 for keeping him, but for the finances of the club there was a strong opinion upstairs.

“They are my employers. We all looked each other in the eye and said it was going to have to happen.”

While Carroll’s problems are of little concern to Newcastle supporters now, there is a certain tinge of sadness for some that a player so closely linked with the club and the city is not fulfilling his undoubted potential. Dropped from the England team and out of favour at Liverpool, Carroll’s career is drifting.

Pardew and the hordes of United fans hoping to leapfrog Liverpool will be desperate for him to turn in another poor display tomorrow night but, after that, the Newcastle boss can see him prospering.