Carroll battling to make Newcastle clash

Andy Carroll is insisting privately that he can make the October 25 return predicted earlier this week.

The big striker is working hard and desperate to make the team for the clash against his hometown club Newcastle United on the 29th.

The website www.physioroom.com gave the 25th as the return date earlier this week before it mysteriously disappeared the next day.

And this morning a Hammers insider told Claretandhugh exclusively: “Speak to Andy and he will tell you he’ll be back for the 25th.

“Speak to the physios and medical staff and they will tell you it will be nearer the end of November.

“It’s likely to be somewhere between the two I’d imagine – perhaps Sunderland at the Stadium of Light but he is doing very well at the moment.”