Roeder And The "Jolly Red Giant"

Last updated : 14 December 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor

Few took the news seriously, but Roeder admits he is a massive fan of the 12ft 13" striker.

Having realised that using Antoine Sibierski as a battering ram is right up Obafemi Martins' street, the thought of seeing Crouch in black and white shirt could be the answer to all the manager's problems. Martins needs a target man - the bigger the better - so the Jolly "Red" Giant is obviously a player to look at.

Crouch is currently behind Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy in the Anfield pecking order, but with Liverpool one of the favourites to lift the Champions League, it is very unlikely the Reds will listen to offers.

Roeder said: "If you were to ask me what I think of Peter Crouch, I would say he is a striker who, over the last four or five years, has improved out of all recognition and is certainly worthy of his place in the England team.

"You can draw your own conclusions from that as to whether I would like Peter Crouch at Newcastle or not.

"But the speculation, I have not got a clue where that is coming from and I would assume Peter Crouch at Liverpool and in the Champions League and in the England team, is a very happy young player."