Carroll deserves recall - Allardyce

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists England would not have to employ ugly long-ball tactics if Roy Hodgson opted to recall Andy Carroll.

Last Updated: 04/02/13 at 07:51 Post Comment   

Andy Carroll: Not considered for England this week

Andy Carroll: Not considered for England this week

Carroll made a successful return from a nine-week injury lay-off on Saturday, scoring the only goal in West Ham's crucial 1-0 victory over Swansea at Upton Park.

The 24-year-old was key to every attack, picking up long balls from the back and feeding them to Kevin Nolan, who would have taken home the match ball had he not squandered his chances.

Although punting the ball up to Carroll may not have been easy on the eye, it was certainly effective.

But Allardyce insists there is more to Carroll's game and such tactics would not be necessary if Hodgson called the former Newcastle strike up for next month's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

"All this talk about someone as tall as him suggests that England would play a different way...well you play to win, don't you?" Allardyce said.

"If you have a player of his capabilities, play to him. Everyone is saying that playing up to his head is the best way, but it's not. It's playing it in to his feet or chest.

"He is good at holding the ball up from the opposition and then you can break from there."

Hodgson omitted Carroll from his squad for next week's friendly against Brazil as he was not fit enough, but Allardyce is convinced he deserves a recall.

"He wouldn't have been considered (for the Brazil game)," Allardyce added. "If Roy had have rang me up, I would have said 'No chance.'

"We need to keep him with us. We don't want him getting injured again but if he stays fit and keeps putting in top-class performances in the Premier League you get picked again don't you?

"You can't afford to be ignored."

Signing Carroll on loan from Liverpool was considered one of the biggest coups of last summer's transfer window, but his progress was hampered after suffering a hamstring injury on his impressive debut against Fulham.

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan revealed yesterday that the club have agreed a fee with Liverpool for a possible permanent deal for Carroll in the summer, and Allardyce reckons a long run in the starting XI could boost the chances of that happening.

"I think it's about Andy enjoying his football between now and the end of the season," the former Blackburn boss said.

"Then he will ask himself 'What have I achieved here this season?' We just hope he has an injury-free 14 games and produces better form than he did today.

"If he can perform like that when he hasn't played for nine weeks, then I am looking forward to seeing what he can produce when he is fully fit."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Kris Commons retires from international duty with Scotland

Kris Commons has retired from international duty with Scotland to 'concentrate on his family and on club football'.

Transfer news: Samir Nasri staying with Manchester City despite links to PSG

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri insists he wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Premier League: Chelsea defender Gary Cahill would welcome Jose Mourinho

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill would welcome the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved