Steve Bruce was handed some good news when Andy Carroll returned to training ahead of Newcastle’s visit to West Ham and could be involved, according to the Chronicle.
Having been withdrawn from the squad for the last game, Bruce stressed it was just a minor niggle, and nothing to do with his ankle. The player’s quick return has proved that to be the case.
He will not be in line to be given a starting role at the London Stadium, but having him on the bench will give Bruce some extra options during the game on Saturday.
Having Carroll and Gayle available gives Bruce bench options
It means, should Bruce need to call on an attacking option against the Hammers, he could have the luxury of adding pace to the mix with Dwight Gayle – assuming he does not start the game – or another physical presence, in Carroll.
It would be nice to see Newcastle get a goal or two from their forwards for a change, and if it is a tight game in the second half, Bruce could actually bring one of his forwards on to complement, rather than replace, Joelinton.
Whatever he chooses to do, having Carroll back in the mix can only help the Magpies, and also give the striker the chance to continue building his match fitness, in order to get the starting chance he is craving.
Of course, it would be nice to think we will be in a comfortable position in the game to not have to use their substitutes out of necessity, but this is Newcastle United, and things like that just never seem to work that way for us.
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