Carroll "much more than a target man" and deserves England chance- McDonald

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has praised on loan striker Andy Carroll ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground, and has said that the 24 year old will be "licking his lips" at the prospect of facing his former club.

"Andy will be desperate to score against Newcastle and keep up his fine run of form," said McDonald.

"When you're in form, you should be considered for England and Andy is more than just a big lump, and he would give England much more options than just a big ball over the top. He has excellent control, inter-link play and of course is fantastic in the air."

Recent reports have intimated that a good performance on Saturday for Carroll could see a return to the England squad for the big striker, with England coaches including Roy Hodgson's No 2, Ray Lewington, expected to be at the match tomorrow.

"You might think that he's difficult to work with, but he's a very unassuming young man who has done fantastically well considering he is in the spotlight all the time and is working hard and trying to learn."

On Carroll's future at the end of the season, McDonald echoed the feelings of his boss.

"It is a pleasure to work with Andy, I think he is enjoying life in London, which has been reflected in his performances, and if we can get him at the end of the season, that would be great."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling