West Ham loan star is gunning for Arsenal

Andy Carroll of West Ham in action - Queens Park Rangers vs West Ham United - Barclays Premier League at Loftus Road, London - 01/10/12 - MANDATORY CREDIT: Rob Newell/TGSPHOTO - Self billing applies where appropriate - 0845 094 6026 - contact@tgsphoto.co.uk - NO UNPAID USE.

Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent Tuesday, October 2, 2012
5:05 PM

Hammers striker Andy Carroll has come through his comeback game, now he wants to shoot down the Gunners on Saturday at Upton Park

West Ham loan star Andy Carroll is gunning for Arsenal on Saturday after coming through unscathed in his comeback game at Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.

The Liverpool and England striker played 18 minutes in the 2-1 victory at Loftus Road and declared he is fit and raring to go.

“Since the Fulham game I have been dying to get back,” said the 23-year-old striker.

“I’ve been working hard in the gym and the staff here have helped me to get back fit and obviously coming on at QPR and helping the lads to get the win was great.”

Carroll didn’t open his West Ham account on Monday, but he did sting the goalkeeper’s hands with a thumping long shot, as well causing problems for the Rangers defence in the area, especially from the crosses delivered by Matt Jarvis.

“I was devastated when I got injured, but I’ve worked hard and I’ve been in the gym every day,” he said.

“As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring a week or two ago I wanted to get back, but they wouldn’t let me because they said it wasn’t right.

“I’ve only been out on the training pitch a handful of times since, so it was great to be out there at Loftus Road playing football again.”

Carroll is now likely to start Saturday’s match with Arsenal at Upton Park and he can’t wait.

“We’ve obviously been playing really well and we proved that against QPR,” he insisted.

“We are creating chances, but not putting them all away, but things are going well and the lads are looking forward to Arsenal.”

There is an international break following the Arsenal clash, but West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen for Carroll to get more game time playing for England in their World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

“I’d have no problem if Andy Carroll is called into the England squad,” said the boss.

“I would speak to Roy Hodgson personally, but Andy is woefully short of match practice.

“He’s played 68 and 20 minutes for us, but I’m sure Roy will deal with that in the right way. It depends on Roy’s selection process, but he’s not ready for 90 minutes.”

For West Ham fans, they will just be happy to see him this Saturday.