Andy Carroll must be given time by Liverpool - Charlie Adam

Charlie Adam says Andy Carroll and the rest of his Liverpool team-mates should not be judged before the end of the season.

The former Newcastle United striker has scored only four Premier League goals since joining Liverpool for £35m in January.

But Scotland midfielder Adam is confident Carroll will be a success.

"Andy is still young - we have a young squad and we are learning. Let people be judged over a season," he said.

"No matter what you do as a player people have doubts about you. It doesn't matter who you are.

"You can be the best player in the world and somebody will pick something out that they don't agree with and that's what happens in football, it's all about opinions."

Liverpool currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

This weekend they take on Queens Park Rangers but are without three central-midfield players.

Lucas Leiva has joined influential captain Steven Gerrard on the injury list after being ruled out for the season with cruciate ligament damage and now Jay Spearing faces a three-match ban for his red card against Fulham, forcing manager Kenny Dalglish into more changes.

"We are still trying to get to grips with each other's game," added Adam.

"We have bought in seven or eight new players and it's going to be difficult at times, but in the end the quality will shine through.

"I don't think we've done too badly this season so far but we know we can do better."