Boss hopes to play to Carroll’s strengths - if he can keep him fit

NEWCASTLE United will work on getting the ball in the box to play to Andy Carroll’s strengths and the towering striker is making his presence felt, says Steve Bruce.

Carroll made his second debut for the Magpies as an 82nd-minute substitute in the 0-0 draw against Brighton on Saturday after seven months out with an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old was pushed up front, with Joelinton, Allan SaintMaximin and Christian Atsu in support, and came through the cameo unscathed.

Bruce has been encouraged by the impact Carroll has made since returning to full-contact training but is conscious Newcastle need to ‘manage him in the right way.’

The United head coach said: “We even noticed it in training.

“He has been back training with us for a week, 10 days.

“He has that little bit of presence and respect because of what he achieved.

“We all hope he stays fit and he will give us another option.

“The big thing then, of course, is how do we play to his strengths?

“If you have a big Andy Carroll in there, you have to play to his strengths and put the ball in the box and that is something we will work on over time.”

After spending countless lonely hours in the gym during his rehabilitation, returning to action was a huge milestone for Carroll and Bruce hopes it will be the first of many appearances.

He added: “We are just delighted to see Andy back on the pitch. He has had an awful time with it.

“He has worked extremely hard and we are delighted he has been able to give us something.”