Newcastle United have made a mixed start to this season as they managed a significant scalp at Tottenham, but they were comprehensively beaten by newly promoted side Norwich City last month. The club will have another tough encounter as they will travel to Anfield after the international break to take on the European champions, Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Steve Bruce has spoken positively about the impact of Andy Carroll even though the big striker is yet to feature for them on the pitch. The manager revealed that the experienced forward has been helping the younger players at the club, and he has had a positive effect already at St. James’ Park.
Bruce on Carroll’s Impact
Bruce was quoted as saying (The Sun), ”You can already see players attracted to him. They all want to be around him. He is the local hero, and he knows what it means to play for the club.”
“When I brought him here I asked him, ‘Can you be the elder statesman for me? Can you help me with the strikers?’. We had a striker meeting and he was right in there giving his opinion. He has life experience now. He has been there, done it and worn the t-shirt.”
The 30-year-old striker is a product of the Magpies academy and knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level. It is always great for managers to have leaders off the pitch and senior players who can make their jobs easier. The English striker is close to getting back to full fitness and will look to make a positive impact on the pitch as well.
How Newcastle made Carroll a no-risk signing?
It remains to be seen now whether the English striker would be able to keep himself fit and available for the vigours of the Premier League. The good thing for the Magpies is that they got the nine-time England international on a free transfer and will only pay him based on his appearances. Without such a clause, the signing of Carroll might have looked like a risky one given his injury woes. However, the Tyneside club has done well to bring him back to St. James Park without breaking their bank.
Carroll will ultimately be tested based on how he goes about his business on the pitch. He might be having a positive impact off it, but the fans would want to see some action and goals from their big targetman. Joelinton has had a mediocre start so far. Dwight Gayle is still out with injury so Bruce would hope that Carroll could soon become available to bolster his attacking options after the international break.
