CARROLL’S DELIGHT AT RECEPTION FROM FANS
STRIKER HAS ‘UNFINISHED BUSINESS’ AT UNITED, SAYS TEAMMATE
Andy Carroll has thanked Newcastle United fans for an “unbelievable” reception on his second debut.
The striker, re-signed as a free agent last month, came off the bench late in Saturday’s goalless draw against Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’s Park.
Steve Bruce’s side – who had been booed off at the break after a dismal first 45 minutes – had their best spell with Carroll leading the attack and fellow substitute Allan Saint-Maximin on the left side of midfield.
The biggest cheer of the evening was for Carroll’s introduction.
“It was an unbelievable feeling,” said Carroll, who was making his comeback from ankle surgery.
“It was just disappointing we didn’t get a win.
“The fans gave me an unbelievable reception, and it was great to be back on the pitch.
“When I was driving in, the fans were great. Warming up, getting on…the cheers were fantastic. It’s better than I thought it was going to feel.
“It was great. I was wanting to get out there a little bit longer. When I was warming up, the fans were fantastic. They stuck by the team.”
On the roar from the stands when he went on, the 30-year-old told NUFC TV: “Unbelievable. I can still hear it now ringing in my ears. It was amazing for me and the fans.”
Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, says Carroll has “unfinished business” at United.
The striker scored 33 goals in 91 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2011 before his £35 million move to Liverpool.
Lascelles knows from experience just ho w tough an opponent Carroll can be, having played against him when he was at West Ham United .
"He can have a huge impact here,” said Lascelles, United’s captain.
“I've played against him when he was at West Ham.
“If he's coming off the bench for the last 20 minutes centre-halves are going to have a tough time.
“Not necessarily because he's going to score, but he's going to draw bodies towards him and make room and time for others.
“He could be a real problem.”
United head coach Bruce said ahead of the Brighton game that Carroll’s return from ankle surgery had raised the levels in training.
"Yes, j ust his presence (raised the levels),” said Lascelles.
“He's a well-respected player, and he adds so much to the changing room, which is important. When I saw him running onto the pitch I thought 'come on, let's go for it'. He gave us all a boost.”
Carroll was sold to Liverpool by Newcastle for £35million in January 2011.
"He's a real leader,” said Lascelles. “He knows he's got unfinished business here. He was here four years, and he'll be wanting to play a lot of minutes this season to help us. He's a great signing.”