Andy Carroll has made an emotional return to Newcastle United but can he save his career?
Steve Bruce believes Andy Carroll can be ‘unplayable’ if he stays fit following his return to Newcastle United, according to the Chronicle.
But that is one hell of an ‘if’. There is a reason why Carroll spent over a month in the free-agent pool after being released by West Ham at the start of July and it had nothing to do with his playing ability.
Everyone knows the talent this 30-year-old target man has in his 6ft 4ins frame. A scrapbook of bullet headers and stunning volleys, including that physics-defying rocket against Swansea, are a tantalising reminder of what a fit and firing Carroll can offer.
Though therein lies a well-documented problem. Fitness has been elusive over the last half-decade with Carroll averaging just 18 Premier League games a season during seven years at West Ham.
According to the Sun (9 August, back page), the former England international is set to miss the first month of the new season as he awaits his second debut for the Magpies.
But there is a reason why Bruce was so keen to hand Carroll a dream return to where it all began.
According to the Chronicle, the 58-year-old feels his fellow Geordie can be simply ‘unplayable’ if he rediscovers the form that once convinced Liverpool to make him the most expensive English football in history.
Bruce is right. Carroll at his best is a fearsome proposition. But is he still capable of dominating defences after another prolonged spell on the sidelines?
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