Hughton praises Carroll
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has paid tribute to striker Andy Carroll's great start to the season.
Newcastle bounced back from their opening game defeat at the hands of Manchester United with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Aston Villa. Hughton has said he will put faith in his new number nine and expects more of the same in matches to come.
There were doubts over whether Carroll would be able to maintain the same sort of momentum that he displayed last season in the Championship for Newcastle. This is due to the striker's inconsistency last season and the step up in quality.
Hughton firmly believes that Carroll has all of the right qualities to lead the Newcastle front line for some years to come. However, he must ensure that he proves his hat-trick against Aston Villa was not a one-off.
Carroll's qualities
Andy Carroll is a very big striker who is tall and very fast across the turf. Unlike many big strikers he can play more than one role. His height allows him to play as a lone striker when the team hit the ball long to him but he is skilful enough to drop off from the front to come and get the ball when needed.
He is well-liked and enjoys a lot of support from the Newcastle supporters. It's important for all strikers to have the support of fans because it helps to inspire the strikers to raise their levels of performance during key games.
Carroll also offers Newcastle an aerial threat and his finishing on the ground and in the air is superb. Newcastle will have to make the most of set plays against better sides and this is where Carroll can use his strength to create some extra space and get free headers and chances.
Hughton said: "Where he is at this particular moment as regards to England, that, of course, is for others to make that decision. The most important thing for us is that he is performing for Newcastle United and he certainly couldn't have started the season any better than he has."
More consistency needed
One thing that has always held Carroll back is his inconsistency when he does hit a purple patch of form. He has to carry on playing well and scoring goals if Newcastle want to pull away from the bottom of the table and stay away from the relegation places.
Defenders will eventually find a way of playing against him and keeping him quiet, which means he will have to try new things and tricks that may not necessarily feel comfortable. However, he is now more experienced and has a better chance of stretching out a run of form.
Hughton added: "What he has realised and does realise is that days like the day he had on Sunday, he will have equally as many bad days. It comes with the territory as a centre-forward. There will be good spells and bad spells and it's working through those spells."
Betting advice
Newcastle are a big club and enjoy a lot of support. It would be naive to suggest that the club will challenge for the title because this just will not happen. However, there is enough in the squad for the side to have a cup run in either the FA Cup or the League Cup.
If you want to back Newcastle to win something then these will be the best options. However, you stand a better chance of making a bigger profit if you back them with each game that they play. Carroll looks the best bet for top scorer at the club this season.
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