Allardyce backs Carroll for England

(GSM) – Former Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has backed Andy Carroll to shine for England if he is called up by Fabio Capello against France next week.

Carroll, who played under Allardyce during the Blackburn Rovers manager’s short time in charge of the Magpies, has reinforced his credentials for a possible call up at the national stage following a series of spectacular performances for the Magpies.

Allardyce, who will return to St James’ Park for the first time as a manager on Wednesday night, has also warned that if Carroll does get the call by Capello he must not let it go to his head.

Allardyce said: “I had Andy as a young man at Newcastle when I was there, and you could see the raw talent.

“They love a number nine there and it’s a big ask to live up to the expectation but he’s brave, he’s fearless and he has exceptionally good ability, particularly aerially – as we saw against Arsenal. Few players could score goals of that type today and that’s why he’s such an exciting player.

“He’s the sort of centre-forward that Fabio Capello likes – a big man up front.

“In the beginning it was Emile Heskey and we all know the one thing Emile couldn’t give the England side was goals. He could make a lot of goals and could create opportunities but you had to rely on other players scoring.

“Then Peter Crouch has been tried, and I think Andy Carroll is emerging now and on the back of a very good start to the Barclays Premier League – and six goals to boot – he deserves to be included in a friendly international. I think Fabio should let the lad have a little taste of what it’s like at that level.”

Carroll began his career at Newcastle, playing in the reserves where he was a prolific scorer.

Following a short loan spell at Preston North End in the 2007-08 season, Carroll returned to St James Park the following season and would not be able to prevent the club’s relegation in the ill-fated 2008-09 campaign.

The 21-year-old, however, helped the Magpies to claim the Championship title, netting 17 times in 39 league appearances.

Newcastle’s promotion to the Premier League this season has seen Carroll continue his goal scoring exploits with his recent goal clinching a shocking 1-0 win at Arsenal.