FOR ANDY THE HIPS DON’T LIE

ANDY CARROLL’S future at Newcastle is in doubt because of a nagging hip problem.

The injury, which medics are struggling to deal with, has put talk of a new deal on Tyneside on hold.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce wants Carroll (above) to stay when his one-year deal ends in June but he has missed the last five games with no sign of a return. The big striker, who has had an injury-plagued career, is believed to be on only £20,000 a week when he is unavailable but around £70,000 when he contributes.

Asked about his future, Bruce added: “The big thing is to get him fit and see. Let’s hope we can get him right.”

Carroll, 31, has not figured for Toon since January 14 against Rochdale. The only solace is that his ankle injury, which needed two operations last season, is not holding him back.

Bruce added: “Andy is still not right, which is a concern for us going forward. The frustration is that just as we thought we were getting Andy back, he volleyed a ball in training and hasn’t been the same. We haven’t been able to get a diagnosis for him, which is a huge frustration for everybody.

“The big thing is that his ankle is okay.

“Andy has been dealt a cruel hand, and certain players go through their careers like that.”

Bruce, who has striker Joelinton fit after a rib problem for the trip to Arsenal tomorrow, has backed new left-back Danny Rose, on loan from Spurs, to revitalise his career on Tyneside.

He added: “Danny was like ‘let’s get the deal done.’ From our point of view, it was ‘come and play, and let’s see how you enjoy it.’ I certainly hope he plays well for us and that he wants to stay.”