The West Ham striker says he saw his former club’s title tilt coming and insists he has no regrets over his ill-fated spell at Anfield

West Ham striker Andy Carroll insists he knew former club Liverpool would challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The England striker, who made his move to West Ham permanent in June last year, says he told his new team-mates during pre-season that Brendan Rodgers’ men would threaten at the very top in 2013/14.

Sitting two points clear at the top of the league, Liverpool – who face West Ham on Sunday – are dreaming of a first league title since 1990.

And Carroll claims he always knew Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez would score the goals to inspire their title challenge.

“I said from the beginning of the season that I thought they had a great chance of winning the league,” Carroll is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

“I said that from the beginning – the very start. I said to all the lads that they would win it.

“All of them were ifing and butting, but I turned around and said it. They will back me up. From the beginning. I just had a feeling.

“They signed Sturridge who’s a great player as well, and having played with Suarez and knowing what he’s like, having those two together, the way they connect together, they are unbelievable. They look unbeatable.”

Carroll failed to live up to his £35 million price tag at Liverpool during 2011-12 and made a permanent move to Upton Park after an initial loan spell at West Ham.

But the 25-year-old insists he has no regrets, with Suarez and Sturridge offering a “completely different” option to his physical approach.

“The way they are playing, they have the players to do that: Suarez and Sturridge up front are completely different to me. The way they play is incredible,” Carroll said.

“No bitterness at all, no. I moved to West Ham and I am loving it – apart from the injury set-back everything has been great.”