Kolo Toure backed for Liverpool success

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has backed former team-mate Kolo Toure to be a big hit at Liverpool.

The Ivory Coast defender will complete his move to Anfield when the transfer window re-opens on July 1, making the switch to Merseyside on a free transfer after four years with City.

The 32-year-old has been brought in to add some vital experience to the Anfield rearguard, particularly in light of the retirement of Jamie Carragher.

And Barry believes he will prove a shrewd acquisition.

“Kolo will be a great signing. I think it’s an astute signing by Brendan Rodgers because he has got so much experience,” Barry told Liverpool’s official website

“He will always give 100 percent, he will never give up. Kolo will win over the fans straight away.

“Losing Jamie Carragher’s experience from the dressing room will be a huge loss for Liverpool and the fans.

“But Kolo, with his experience and his work-rate, the way he goes about his training, will do a good job of replacing him.”

Toure leaves City having enjoyed a successful spell with the club, including winning both the Premier League and the FA Cup.

The former Arsenal man will be hoping to add to the silverware he collected at the Ethiad Stadium, and another former colleague, Joleon Lescott, believes his winning mentality will prove to be of great benefit to Liverpool.

The England international said: “He’s energetic, he’s full of life and he’s always smiling every day in training.

“I know he’s a good player – he’s quick, he reads the game well and he’s a leader.

“You can’t replace Jamie Carragher but that will be as close as you’re going to get.”