According to the Chronicle, Steve Bruce has been blown away by Andy Carroll’s attitude and leadership behind the scenes following his return to Newcastle United.
Not only is the big striker pushing to regain full fitness and earn a place in Bruce’s first-team plans, it’s been revealed just how influential he’s been in the dressing room.
Bruce has revealed how he’s been advising fellow NUFC forwards and even refused to rule out a ‘second captain’ role for the 30-year-old when quizzed about his off-field influence recently.
This is all brilliant to hear, highlighting how he’s matured, but hopefully he can start to have a major impact on the field soon.
We were never going to rush him back given his track record and the fact he had reconstructive ankle surgery just a few months ago, but the trip to Liverpool in 10 days time had been earmarked as his potential return date for a few weeks now.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he isn’t in that one, but he may well be in the squad for Brighton’s visit to St James’ Park on September 21st.