Andy Carroll admits he would have regretted not making Newcastle comeback after inspiring Southampton win off bench
ANDY CARROLL is enjoying his second coming at Newcastle even more than his first.
And the born-again striker admits he would have always regretted it had he never returned to St James’ Park.
Carroll left his boyhood club for Liverpool in 2011 for £35million but came home in the summer on a free transfer following his release by West Ham.
After recovering from the ankle injury he picked up last season, he has nine appearances under his belt for the Toon and made a huge impact in the last week.
Carroll provided an assist on his first start in the 2-0 win at Sheffield United last Thursday.
Then on Sunday he came off the bench against Southampton to set up another goal in the come-from-behind 2-1 win that had boss Steve Bruce claiming “he was like the Carroll of ten years ago”.
Giant 6ft 4in Geordie Carroll said: “Starting the other day, creating goals, winning games, I appreciate it a lot more now.
“I didn’t really get the chance to appreciate it the last time — I just kind of thought everyone got that chance at 17.
“I didn’t really understand it as much as I do now.
“But coming back, it’s a massive club, massive stadium, massive fans and it’s part of me growing up.
“Honest to God, I’ve been wanting to come back for years.
“I would have regretted it if I didn’t get to step on the pitch in the black and white again.”
Carroll, 30, signed a one-year, pay-as-you-play deal on deadline day, with his basic £20,000-a-week wages rising to £70,000 if he plays.
His arrival was still met with some scepticism, given his injury record since he left Newcastle aged 22.
And after returning to full training following his rehab, he has actually only missed games because of a groin strain and a rib problem.
Carroll said: “My ankle has been no problem at all, I don’t even think about it.
“It was hard when the ankle was playing up, but as you can see it’s the same size as the other one when in the past it hasn’t been!
“I like to get myself about so it’s been tough when I haven’t been mobile and been a bit stiff, but I’m feeling good.
“I’m working hard in the gym and with the staff.
“I’m protecting myself through the week’s training, with the manager helping with the days and what I do and what I don’t do.”
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Bruce opted not to risk starting Carroll for a second time in four days against Southampton, so he brought him off the bench instead.
But Carroll insisted: “I felt good after the Sheffield game. I am just feeling fresh.
“I think I would have been OK to start but I completely understand what the gaffer says and there is no point in risking it. He’ll use me when I’m needed.
“I had to come on and give something because we were getting beaten and luckily we got the win.”
Carroll has also hailed the impact of Bruce, who has guided Newcastle into the top half despite his appointment being met with widespread disapproval from fans.
He said: “It was obviously topsy turvy at the beginning, he wasn’t really everyone’s cup of tea.
“But I think he’s proving everyone wrong.
“Seven points in a week is great.
“It’s down to the manager, the staff, the players and the hard work that everyone is putting in around the club.”
Carroll is now eyeing up his first goal since his Newcastle homecoming - and a start at Burnley on Saturday.
He added: “Every game I am licking my lips and wanting to play.
“I’d like to get a chance, I’d like to score and get off the mark - but the points are more important.”
