Carroll looks forward to battle for place…and OS

Andy Carroll has made it clear he’s ready to fight hard for his place in the Irons team when he recovers from injury.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, the club’s record signing made it clear he’s up for the scrap with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho.

In a rare interview he said: “I don’t mind a battle, and every team needs competition for places.

“That is one of the things we have here. Everyone is fighting for their place. It has been mixed emotions for me watching the team this season.

“I am desperate to be out there on the pitch but I remember the Liverpool game when I was jumping up and down watching from the box. I think I did enough work for that day on my ankle!

“I know I’ve had problems with injuries and I’m not hiding away from that.

“Hopefully this is the last one and I can get it out of the way. The club have put a lot of faith in me, paying so much money, but I don’t feel like I’ve let them down. It’s an injury that I couldn’t help.”

Carroll also played  down the speculation linking him with a  move back to former club Newcastle, making it clear he’s excited by the prospect of playing at the Olympic Stadium with the Hammers.

“It looks fantastic and everyone is looking forward to being there,” Carroll added.

“We cannot wait to be a part of it. It’s going to be one of the best grounds around – both the inside and outside look fantastic.”