Clubs were queuing up to sign him on loan, and he decided on Preston North End, who just missed out on promotion last season.
But it has gone down hill, and the kid has learnt a big lesson in recent weeks.
He has not found the back of the net for Preston, was sent off and has missed the last three games, and the fans don't see him as the man to get them away from the relegation zone.
Then came the England Under-19 call up to get him back on track, and he has just BLOWN IT!
He has been sent home in disgrace, along with Chelsea's Scott Sinclair and Ryan Bertrand.
The three were told leave after breaking a curfew imposed by coach Brian Eastick.
Toon Striker Needs Boot Up The Backside!
They have all returned to their clubs after being ordered out on England's training base in Leeds.
While the Football Association are anxious to stress the trio's misdemeanour did not go beyond breaking Eastick's curfew, the breach of conduct was enough to see them sent home ahead of Sunday's encounter with Romania in Scunthorpe, when victory will see England in the elite European Championship qualifying stage.
Eastick: "I have found it necessary to send three players home for breaking our code of conduct.
"All the appropriate people have been informed and there will be no further comment at this time."
Sinclair and Carroll were on target in Friday's 5-1 win over Iceland.