Show you’re real deal, Carroll
WEST HAM manager Manuel Pellegrini has told fit-again Andy Carroll it is time to earn a new contract.
Joint-top scorer Marko Arnautovic has been ruled out for the rest of 2018 with a hamstring injury, which opens the door for the former England man.
But the pressure is on for Carroll, who has played just 26 minutes this season because of an ankle injury. The 29-year-old will be out of contract in the summer and, at £90,000 a week, is one of the highest earners at West Ham, who have a two-year option to extend.
“When you need to renew your contract, you must demonstrate why they should be renewing your contract,” said Pellegrini. “We know what Andy can give to our team and he must demonstrate he is able to do it week by week. He is now in the last six months and I hope he will be able to do it.”
Pellegrini made it clear he currently views Carroll as an impact substitute, with Javier Hernandez now West Ham’s first-choice starting striker. “If he can work in the normal way, of course he can be an option to start,” he said. “For the moment, he can be a very important substitute.”
Midfielder Jack Wilshere has an ankle injury and misses the home game against Crystal Palace tomorrow.
“He’s not 100 per cent comfortable, so he will not be involved,” said Pellegrini. “I think it will be just this game.”