Carroll fitness on line this morning

Andy Carroll will have the first serious test of his fitness in around an hour at Upton Park.

The striker – recovered from an ankle injury – will run out in  a practice match against Southend United (11 am), managed by big pal of Sam Allardyce from Bolton days, Phil Brown.

Carroll has not kicked a ball in anger so far this season and this game has been set up solely for his benefit although it’s unlikely he will figure in the clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.

It’s been almost six months after last featuring for West Ham against Manchester City on May 11.