Andy Carroll is reportedly hoping to make his second Newcastle debut against former club Liverpool, according to The Times.
The returning striker, who signed an initial one-year deal with the Magpies on deadline day, has identified the fixture at Anfield after the international break on September 14 as a comeback meeting.
Carroll underwent ankle surgery back in April, shortly before his release from former side West Ham, and has been building up his fitness over the summer.
The striker is thought to be on a pay-as-you-play deal at St James’ Park, so could a second Newcastle debut at Anfield actually be the perfect fixture for the towering striker?
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If Steve Bruce decides to give Carroll a second Newcastle debut on Merseyside next month, they’ll certainly be no real expectation. The 30-year-old would see the fixture as a free hit, with Liverpool dominating the majority of sides who turn up to Anfield.
With no expectation, it could actually be the perfect fixture for Carroll to make his Magpies return. If he can somehow nick a debut goal against his former side with a trademark header, that could give the forward the confidence heading forward.
In a way, it could be more beneficial to return against Liverpool instead of leaving him for the following week against Brighton, where there would be more expectation for the striker to make an immediate impact.
