Jamie Carragher backs Rickie Lambert to rediscover his form at West Brom

Rickie Lambert: Scored twice on his first appearance for West Brom

Jamie Carragher has backed Rickie Lambert to be a success at West Brom after completing his move from Liverpool on Friday.

Lambert made his first appearance for the Baggies just hours after signing on at The Hawthorns, scoring twice in a pre-season friendly against his former club Bristol Rovers and after a disappointing season at Anfield, Carragher believes Lambert is capable of rediscovering his form under Tony Pulis.

“Rickie Lambert has moved on from Liverpool to West Brom and immediately got on the scoresheet with two goals yesterday,” the Sky Sports pundit wrote on KICCA.

“In contrast for Liverpool he missed his first penalty for five years in one of his early pre-season games, it always nice to make a good start at a new club - no matter if it's a friendly or not.”

Lambert scored just three goals in his season at Liverpool in 28 appearances but Carragher feels he will impress in the Midlands if given the opportunities.

“When I watched him for LFC he was trying too hard as he was desperate to do well for his boyhood club,” he added.

“I felt he should have been given a few more opportunities but, when Raheem Sterling started playing as a striker at Old Trafford before Christmas, it was only a matter of time before Lambert moved on.

“I think he'll do very well for Tony Pulis and we'll see more of the Rickie Lambert we saw at Southampton.”

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Brendan Rodgers tips 'bargain buy' Christian Benteke to be Liverpool hit

Christian Benteke: Tipped to impress for Liverpool (picture courtesy of Liverpool FC)

Brendan Rodgers is tipping Christian Benteke to be a huge hit after labeling Liverpool's £32.5million signing from Aston Villa "a bargain".

The Belgium striker finalised his transfer to Anfield last month, having scored 16 goals in all competitions last season at Villa Park.

And despite doubts over the fee Liverpool have spent acquiring Benteke's services, Rodgers has backed the 24-year-old to become a huge hit at Anfield.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's game against HJK Helsinki, in which Benteke will not be a part of, Rodgers said: "I’ve read and seen things about his game, but in the short period of time he’s been in, I’ve been even more impressed.

"I’ve seen him up close now for three years, stood at the side of the field and watching this guy - not just his power and strength, but also his footballing ability.

"He’s surprised people in the early stages of life at Liverpool with that mobility and the quickness of his feet - and his natural power and strength is there to see.

"One of the goals I remember he scored against us at Anfield, he ran halfway through the field.

"This isn’t someone who lacks pace, movement and intelligence. He’s not just a guy who you chuck the ball up to. Of course, his strength allows you to keep the ball, but he’ll really help the unpredictability of our game this season.

"For me, I think he’ll prove to be a bargain for the club, I really do."

Liverpool have embarked on a major summer recruitment drive, acquiring Adam Bogdan, Nathaniel Clyne, Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings and James Milner in addition to Benteke.

And Rodgers has hailed all his new signings, but believes Benteke can become an icon at Anfield.

"We’ve obviously made a number of signings and a lot them have been young players and you can never tell,” Rodgers added.

"The players we’ve brought into Liverpool Football Club are all really good players - they’re all fantastic players, otherwise they wouldn’t be at the club.

"But it’s how players cope with the pressure of playing for one of the leading clubs in the world. That can always differ and be difficult.

"For the likes of Christian, he’s coming in and is one I’m excited about because of what he offers and what’s he’s been as an opponent against us.

"Coming in to a club like Liverpool, he can be a real hero for the supporters.

"I look at the likes of him and the boys we’ve signed, we’ve also got Daniel Sturridge to come back - we mustn’t forget about him and once he gets back fit, we’re going to have an array of talent that can score and create goals - I am excited to work with them all.

"With Christian, I am really looking forward to his presence at the club."

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Reported Liverpool target Alvaro Negredo keen to stay at Valencia

Alvaro Negredo: Keen to stay at Valencia

Reported Liverpool target Alvaro Negredo has played down talk of a £15million move to Anfield after insisting he wants to stay at Valencia.

Despite already signing strikers Christian Benteke and Danny Ings this summer, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers remains determined to boost his forward options with Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli expected to follow Rickie Lambert out of the Anfield exit door. 

Negredo caught the eye during his time in England with Man City, but was loaned to Valencia last summer in a deal that saw Los Che complete a permanent 27million euros move.

But amid reports that Valencia are keen to move for 29-year-old on, the striker has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Liverpool.

However, the striker has been quick to play down reported interest from the Reds, saying he still has a job to do at the Mestalla.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "From the first day after last season ended, my mind has been focused on Valencia.

"I want to work hard and continue developing. My plan is to stay.

"My plan is to stay and nobody has said I'm not in their plans. I'm here to keep working and nothing more.

"At the end of the day the club decides and they choose who they want and who they don't. But nobody has said to me they don't want me."

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Rickie Lambert joins West Brom from Liverpool for £3m

Rickie Lambert: Joins West Brom on a two-year deal

Tony Pulis says West Brom have signed a player of "real pedigree" after completing a deal for Rickie Lambert for a fee believed to be £3m.

The former England striker passed a medical at The Hawthorns on Friday and has put pen to paper on a contract to the summer of 2017. He moves to West Brom just a year after he joined Liverpool from Southampton.

Lambert would have faced tough competition for a starting place at Anfield next season following the arrival of Christian Benteke, Danny Ings and Roberto Firminho.

The forward had just two Premier League goals to his name from 25 games for Liverpool last season, 18 of those off the substitutes' bench.

But the 33-year-old was more prolific at Southampton where he totalled 106 goals from 207 league appearances from August 2009 until June 2014.

"Rickie is a good, strong, solid player who is a great character, good in the dressing room and good on the pitch," Pulis told West Brom's official website.

"We are very pleased to have him on board.

"He's a player of great pedigree and we look forward to integrating him into our squad."

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