ANDY CAN BE HAPPY; But England must use the Geordie star right, says hero Shearer England have to use Andy properly.

Byline: NEIL CAMERON 

ALAN SHEARER has told England they must play to Andy Carroll's strengths at the Euros or risk him flopping in Ukraine and Poland.

The pounds 35m striker will lead the line against France in his country's opening Group D match on June 11 in Donetsk in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney, who misses the first two games.

Shearer, who scored 30 goals for England including five in Euro 96 alone, has always publicly backed Carroll to come good, even when the 23-year-old was struggling on Merseyside following his controversial move from St James' Park.

Liverpool, under Kenny Dalglish, were not set up to put crosses in for a big frontman to attack, which was a major contributing factor for Carroll's troubles last season. And Shearer believes his former player - he managed him at the end of the 2008/09 relegation season - can score goals for Roy Hodgson's side, but only if his team-mates realise that they need to provide good service to him inside the penalty box. The legendary Magpies captain said: "The ability is there with Andy. I saw that for myself at Newcastle. "'He's had an in-and-out season but, for the last month, you've probably seen more of what Andy Carroll is about. "But if you've got him in your team, you've got him in your team for one reason, and that is to get balls into the box.

"Because, if you get the right balls in, not many people will be able to stop him. If you do that, he'll score goals, whether that's at club level or international level." Carroll, who will feature at some stage against Belgium at Wembley this Saturday, is an almost certain starter against the much-fancied French not only because of Rooney being sidelined, but with Danny Welbeck also carrying an injury. This may have alarmed England fans not so long ago, but the Liverpool No 9 had an impressive end to the season and Shearer believes his fellow Geordie can do the business at the highest level... And even tipped him to stay in the team when Rooney returns for the final group game against cohosts Ukraine. Shearer said: "Andy was fine when I worked with him, no problem at all. He was a very hard-working lad who wanted to do well. He showed desire, hunger, and passion. "Andy could play with most players. He could play with Wayne. "I hope he gets his opportunity to do that. I hope they get through the group stages and are able to do that."

CAPTION(S):

GEORDIE STAR Ca r r o l l