Steve Bruce has insisted that Newcastle United forward Andy Carroll has nothing left to prove ahead of his second debut for the club.
The experienced striker is yet to feature for the Magpies after completing a summer move to St James’ Park despite carrying an ankle injury from his time at West Ham.
Chronicle journalist, Lee Ryder revealed on his personal Twitter account on Saturday morning that Carroll will undergo a fitness test ahead of the clash with Brighton.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Bruce shared how Carroll was desperate to return to the North East after leaving the Hammers, and couldn’t hide his delight for the 30-year-old.
“Listen, he’s the local lad who was desperate to come back,” he said.
“He’s got nothing to prove to anybody has he?”
“We’re just delighted that he’s got himself in this position and worked extremely hard.”
OPINION
The boyhood Newcastle fan will be eager to get going in the Premier League after signing for the club once again, and Saturday could give him that opportunity. Bruce is clearly delighted to have the 30-year-old available to him on Saturday, and his physicality could cause the Seagulls real problems in the important game. Carroll’s desperation to return at St James’ Park should give Newcastle an added threat in the final third, with the forward clearly ready to come back and fire in the goals that could see his side survive this season. Carroll has the Premier League experience that Bruce hasn’t had available to him so far, with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron failing to make any sort of impact in front of goal. The experienced forward has scored 53 goals in his 211 top-flight appearances, so it’s no wonder that Bruce is delighted to have him available once more. Carroll has the chance to make a real difference and cement his spot in Bruce’s side should he feature against Brighton, and Magpies’ fans will be crossing their fingers that his desperation results in goals.
