Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has praised teammate Andy Carroll, saying he scares the life out of opposition defences.
The pair are currently on England duty as the Three Lions look to face Wales this weekend in a Euro 2012 qualifier at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Carroll, who signed from Newcastle for a club record £35 million in January, is expected to start against Wales – playing alongside Man United star Wayne Rooney.
And Johnson reckons Carroll’s physical presence and aerial capability is an asset to any side and will put fear in the eyes of the opposition.
The defender told the Liverpool club site: “He scares the life out of opposition defences.
“Everyone sees Andy as a big target man who can hold the ball up. But there is far more to his game than that.
“He is always an outlet. You can stretch the play by giving it to him and he scores goals. Defenders just do not like the way he plays.
“He has caught me by surprise with his development but in football your life can change very quickly.
“There is no doubt he can make a big impact.”
Johnson, who has been playing on the left of the Liverpool defence since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish, is expected to start at right-back for England on Saturday.
This leaves him with the ominous task of facing Welsh wizard Gareth Bale, whose stock has risen this season thanks to a series of phenomenal performances.
And Johnson admits it’s going to be a major challenge owing to Bale’s pace and power.
He added: “It is difficult to say how you stop Gareth Bale but I am sure we will find a way.”
Carroll and Johnson are the sole Liverpool representatives for England with Steven Gerrard injured, Jamie Carragher retired from the international game and Joe Cole out of form.
Picture credit: N Macca on Flickr
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