Mark Noble explains how West Ham players feel to see rare sight of Andy Carroll in the side

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West Ham United captain Mark Noble has been discussing Andy Carroll’s return to the side.

West Ham have turned a corner of late with a win over relegation rivals Southampton, a draw away at Chelsea and a draw against Stoke City last time out.

That result only came about by virtue of a last gasp goal from injury-prone Hammers striker Andy Carroll on his return to the side after three months out with an ankle problem.

The point lifted the East Londoners up to 14th on 35 points and David Moyes knows one more win will ensure their survival.

A tough run-in awaits with games against Arsenal, Manchester City, Leicester City, Manchester United and Everton to come.

But West Ham skipper Mark Noble told the club’s official website the players have been re-energised by the rare sight of Carroll back on the pitch and explained how it makes them feel.

“In all honesty, just his (Carroll’s) presence on the pitch – even when I saw him coming on gave me a bit of a boost,” Noble told whufc.com.

“You put that ball in the box and there’s every chance he’s going to shove his head, or anything, there.

“I’ve just kissed him on the forehead in the dressing room because it’s a very important goal for us.”

Carroll is becoming a forgotten man having featured in just 15 games for West Ham this season, scoring only three goals – albeit three very important goals which were worth four points to his side.

The big Geordie has played only 125 matches for the Hammers in six seasons and netted just 33 goals in that time, costing the Irons over £50 million in that time.