CARROLL ON AN EPIC BLANK

ANDY CARROLL’S wait for his next Premier League goal now stands at an incredible 38 games.

It Is the equivalent of a whole season, but the 31-year-old striker’s cult status on Tyneside has provided protection for the former England player.

Newcastle star Carroll is likely to start on the substitutes bench against Everton but there are no complaints from United’s boss Steve Bruce or his staff about the commitment of a player brought back to the Toon from West Ham at the beginning of last season.

There was no fee, and his wages were agreed on a pay-per-play plan, with a certain amount of games triggering a one-year extension to his contract – which was met. Premier League goal bonuses have yet to appear in the Carroll (right) bank account.

You have to go back to April 16, 2018 for Carroll’s most recent Premier League goal – a last-minute volley to snatch a point for

West Ham against Stoke City. HIs staggering top-flight goal famine encompasses three games at the end of that season, 12 in his farewell campaign with the Hammers, 19 on his return to the North East last season... and four so far this time round.

Former Newcastle United striker Andy

Cole, who scored 34 goals in 40 games in his first Premier League season with the Toon under manager Kevin Keegan, insisted: “I know Andy is applying himself very well and I’m told he has worked really hard on his fitness.

“On his day he is still a real handful but maybe the team has not always played to his strengths. He is often unplayable when it comes to high balls and crosses.

“Give him the right service and he can still win you games.”