Albion sent warning on Carroll deal
ALBION old boy Kevin Phillips believes Andy Carroll could be a “huge asset” if the club tie him to a new contract – but has issued any prospective deal with a health warning.
The 33-year-old striker joined the Baggies as a free agent at the end of the January transfer window as cover for injured newcomer Daryl Dike after his short-term deal with Championship rivals Reading expired.
Carroll has scored just once in nine appearances for Albion, but has impressed with his overall performances.
With his deal running out at the end of the campaign, there is talk about him potentially extending his time at The Hawthorns beyond then.
Phillips believes Carroll has shown he was a worthy acquisition in the winter window but has warned that fitness concerns could put a spanner in the works.
Carroll’s career has been plagued by injury and he has spent the international break recovering from a knock.
“I think he is well worth this contract until the end of the season,” said Phillips. “He has shown in his performances, he got that equaliser in the last knockings of the game (against Huddersfield). He is a threat, and he has to play to his strengths, which is clearly getting balls into the box.
“On his day, he can be unplayable, I suppose the only thing, long term, would you commit to it when history suggests at some stage he will break down with an injury.
“It’s about getting the balance right, if the contract is right then I would imagine he is a huge asset.
“It’s just about keeping him on the training pitch and involved on matchday. It’s a big decision.”
Baggies’ boss Steve Bruce addressed questions surrounding the striker’s future, telling the Birmingham Post: “When the end of the season comes, there are a lot of decisions to be made on a lot of people. It’s good to see him fit, keeping well and keeping healthy.”