McClaren Wants To See Toon Youngster In England Colours

Last updated : 27 April 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The 18-year-old academy graduate is wanted by both countries, and after receiving "the call" from the Jocks with Scottish Under-21s boss Archie Knox giving him a call up Carroll, Steve McClaren was at the Magpies' Darsley Park training headquarters last Friday and enquired about Carroll.

McClaren: "I have already spoken to our Under-21 people about Andy Carroll.


"Obviously he is still young and has a lot of developing to do, but as I said about Newcastle centre-half Steven Taylor last week, I like his attitude and character."

Lee Clark: "Archie Knox has already told Glenn Roeder that he intends to put Andy in his Scotland Under-21 squad for the end-of-season games after seeing him score three goals for our reserves at Middlesbrough last week.

"Andy's hat-trick that night also alerted Steve McClaren and when he was at our training ground on Friday, Carroll was one of the topics he was interested in.

"Since then, the Football Association have been in touch with Nigel Pearson, who of course is with the England Under-21 team, and we are expecting developments soon.

"After that, it is up to Andy to decide whether he wants to go with England or Scotland.

"From my point of view, I have seen what progress he has made under Glenn Roeder in the past six months.

"We all feel the boy is going in the right direction and we are delighted."