Andy Carroll keen to reignite England career with West Ham goals
Wednesday 4 November 2015 12:12, UK
Andy Carroll says he knows staying fit and scoring goals for West Ham is the only way to reignite his England career after two years of injury problems.
The 26-year-old took great relief in scoring his first goal for 10 months against Chelsea as West Ham beat the Blues 2-1 at Upton Park last month.
Previously Slaven Bilic's side had impressed in away wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool this season but struggled for consistency at home.
Carroll came off the bench to head the winner against Jose Mourinho's side and is hoping he has put his injury worries behind him.
"It was really important, the home record wasn't the best before then and beating Chelsea at home, it's a great feeling, and for me personally to get a goal again it's great," Carroll told Sky Sports News HQ.
"It was tough, it was hard [being out injured]. I just had to concentrate on getting back and I had my friends and family there to help me and support me.
"It was a nightmare, a tough time but I'm over it now and want to move on and keep myself healthy."
On his chances of an England recall, Carroll added: "That's obviously in the back of my head but I think at the moment I'm concentrating on being fit and scoring goals at West Ham and that's the only thing that will lead me there."
The striker also promised West Ham fans that he will not make any more defensive errors like the one that led to Watford's opener in their 2-0 win last weekend.
He failed to clear inside his own penalty area when he tried to turn Nathan Aké, but was dispossessed before Odion Ighalo finished from close range.
"Terrible decision from me," Carroll said. "Obviously I'm there to do a job and I didn't do the job which I should have done and got rid of the ball and it is a mistake that won't happen again."
Elsewhere, the striker believes Steve McClaren is the man to lead Newcastle to safety after a poor start to the season.
Carroll, who left Newcastle to join Liverpool for £35m in 2011, thinks his former club will stay up this season.
He said: "I think they will. It's tough; they haven't been getting the results that they need but I think the manager will turn it around."
Andy Carroll was speaking at the launch of the Betway UK Snooker Championship which runs from Nov 24 to Dec 6
