Carroll hopes rise

Hopes are rising that Andy Carroll will be fit to take his place leading the line against West Brom on Saturday.

AC is desperate to play his part and although he hasn’t trained this week word is that he is a real chance he will see some action in the home clash against Tony Pulis’ men.

We were told this morning that the groin niggle which has been irritating the big man is no worse and that as things stand there is every chance  he will be involved against the Baggies.

In percentage terms one insider claimed the striker had a 75 per cent chance of making it along with Cheik Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell who trained today.

Slaven Bilic revealed that AC would train for the first time on Friday and that a decision would then be made on his fitness.

The manager said: ““Kouyate and Cresswell will train on Thursday and we will see on Friday about Andy.