Carroll trains …for just five minutes!

The absence of our record signing and top earner Andy Carroll from the first two pre-season friendlies has not gone unnoticed by Hammers fans.

Although the the 25 year striker took part in the training camp at Evian,  rumours persist about his general  fitness levels or a possible return of an injury.

West Ham’s official twitter has made a point to publish photos of Andy Carroll together with his mate Kevin Nolan boarding the flight at Heathrow airport last Thursday suggesting he will take part in the pre season friendlies in New Zealand.

However, Hammers fans out in New Zealand raised alarm bells by saying Andy Carroll could manage just five minutes of training at the open training session today at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland before returning down the tunnel.

A source close to the club later dismissed speculation of an injury saying Carroll trained fully on Sunday and was on the excercise bike in the tunnel on the Monday training session.  The source confirmed Carroll will play in both games out in New Zealand. We were told he is just a bit behind in the others with regards to  his fitness so he  has his own programme.