Hugh Woozencroft has been on the latest edition of The Times’ The Game Football Podcast and he has been talking about Andy Carroll.
One of the topics that came up while he was discussing the 31-year-old was his potential role in the team for Newcastle this season.
It seems as if Woozencroft believes that Carroll could prove to be a dangerous player for the Toon and he is happy to see him back at St James’ Park.
He said: “He looked leaner, he looked a lot fitter, if he stays fit, Andy Carroll, he could be a huge weapon for Steve Bruce and Newcastle.
“Steve Bruce [after the West Ham game] was talking about how he’d worked on his fitness during the break and he looks better than ever, [he] shed 5kg apparently, so Andy Carroll [is] surely going to be leading the line for Gareth Southgate next summer!
“I think one of the nice things I was reminded of watching that game is Andy Carroll is back at his traditional home if you like, he could have been Newcastle’s number nine for a decade.
“Maybe [he] should have been, in another dimension, but he has the chance of a bit of redemption with the Newcastle fans.”
Do you think Carroll can be useful for Newcastle this season?
Yes, if he stays fit
No, he isn't good enough
TIF Thoughts…
Carroll started the Toon’s opening Premier League game against West Ham United as Steve Bruce opted for a 4-4-2.
The former Hammers forward didn’t score against his old team, but he turned in a very good performance that saw him receive a 7.64 rating.
The 31-year-old, who is valued at £2.88m by Transfermarkt, won 12 aerial duels and also had four shots.
Carroll re-joined Newcastle last summer, and he grabbed five assists in the Premier League in the 2019/20 season in his 19 appearances.
This season he has started well, and though he has not scored for the Toon since he returned, if he can turn in more performances like he did against West Ham, then Woozencroft might be right about Carroll.