Were We Lucky To Miss Out On Injury-Prone Carroll?

Last updated : 05 December 2013 By Footy Mad - Editor

The England international returned to the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training complex on Thursday to begin working towards match fitness, although manager Sam Allardyce has already stated his desire to avoid rushing the £15million record signing back into action.

Andy Carroll: "I am so happy to be back here at the training ground around all the lads.

"You don't realise how much you miss all the banter and other stuff until you are away from it, so it's great to be here again.

"I flew back a few times during my treatment to watch matches and catch up with my family, team-mates and friends, but now I'm back for good.

"It has been a long, hard process but now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"It felt great to be out on the pitch jogging and kicking a ball in the open air, even if it was a bit cold!

"It's been really hard watching the games while I've been out.

"We haven't picked up the results we have deserved, so I can't wait to get out there again and start helping the team to win some games."