Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has heaped praise on summer signing Andy Carroll this week.
Carroll is set to make the bench against Brighton this weekend, after returning from an ankle injury sustained over the summer.
Twitter: Steve Bruce on Andy Carroll: “We all know that if Andy stays fit he’s a wonderful centre-forward.
“He’s old school… https://t.co/ncNZV3XRRd (@lee_ryder)
READ NEWCASTLE VERDICT
Should Carroll be handed a start?
No. Bruce should wait and let Joelinton lead the line against Brighton in the Premier League this weekend. The forward has scored once in his first four games, but been against tough opposition and the clash this weekend is the perfect chance for him to make his mark.
Also, Carroll will not be fully fit having only recently returned to first-team training and could be best suited to an impact role off the bench. Bruce could throw him on with 15 minutes to go if Newcastle are chasing a result, with his aerial prowess suited to crosses into the box late on.
If Joelinton struggles to score goals and Carroll returns to full match fitness, though, Bruce could have a decision to make. Carroll is a proven scorer at this level if he can stay fit, whilst Joelinton still needs to prove himself.
