Andy Carroll has told to keep beating up defenders – as Steve Bruce backed his sharp-elbowed striker. The Newcastle star walked a fine line against West Ham, adding “physicality” to the Geordies but also earning a booking and sparking a debate over his aerial challenges.
Carroll has lost 5kg in bodyweight and not missed training for months. And his fight back to fitness has handed Bruce a new weapon to unleash in selected games.
He has been as vital defending his own penalty box as attacking the opposition and could forge a strong partnership with new signing Callum Wilson.
Referees review the footage from weekend games and are likely to discuss Carroll's high arm challenges as part of their weekly training.
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