Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has been lauding Andy Carroll since his fine display against his former club West Ham United, when the Tynesiders came away from London Stadium with all three points thanks to goals from new signings Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick on their debuts.
Although he failed to score or assist, the big man up top was still a handful as he won 14 of his duels and also made five clearances, according to Sofascore, showing that he was useful in both boxes on the night.
Bruce recognised this as well as just how hard Carroll has been working to getting back to full fitness, as his comments were relayed by Sky Sports:
“Andy has not missed a day in training, or a minute, since we came back from lockdown,
“As soon as he walked through the door again, we thought, ‘he looks lean and fit’, and keeping him fit, that is the key to it.”
Indeed, this should give the 31-year old a timely confidence boost going into the rest of the 2020/21 season, as he has unfortunately been plagued by various injury woes during his times not only at St James’ Park but with the Hammers in addition to Liverpool.
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If he can stay fit, Carroll will be hoping to get himself off of the mark in the goal-scoring department as he has not found the back of the net in a competitive match since his return to the northeast at the start of the 2019/20 campaign, as per Transfermarkt.
However, the English international has managed to score 33 goals and supply a further 26 assists in 113 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies over seven separate seasons (via Transfermarkt).
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Nonetheless, Bruce has been impressed with Carroll as the striker will hope that he can stay injury-free and bag his first goal since his return to the Toon a year ago.
Geordies, have you been impressed with Carroll? Comment below with your views!
