..AND HERE’S SOMEONE ELSE WHO KNOWS A LOT ABOUT COMEBACKS..

STRIKER Andy Carroll is in line for a key role when Newcastle resume their Premier League campaign against Sheffield United at St James’ Park later this month.

Carroll (above) has not figured since January and

Toon manager Steve Bruce admitted before football shut down that the problem which has kept him sidelined for most of the year had not been diagnosed.

But fears that he may not kick another ball

this season have been allayed. Carroll has continued to work hard on his fitness during lockdown and is set to figure in the Magpies’ remaining games this season.

Bruce (right) and his coaching staff have been delighted with the 31-year-old’s form in training with the Geordie taking a full part in contact games. And he has reported no reaction to a troublesome hip injury.

Now the Newcastle manager is ready to hand Carroll a place on the bench when he picks his first squad since early-march against the Blades.

Carroll was hugely influential in the Toon’s shock 2-0 win at Bramall Lane in December and Bruce believes his physical presence and aerial threat can be a crucial factor in Newcastle finishing the campaign on a high note.

The former Liverpool and West Ham forward signed a 12-month deal when he rejoined his hometown club nine months ago, with his wage packet largely determined by appearances.

But he has not played sufficient games to trigger an extension clause and goes into the restart with his Toon future very much up in the air.