Source: Daily_Mail
Andy Carroll set for England fitness test as Newcastle raise fears
Andy Carroll was being put through a last-minute fitness test this afternoon to decide if he is fit to start his first game for England.[LNB]Fabio Capello said on Tuesday that the Newcastle United striker would be in his line-up for the showpiece friendly against France at Wembley tonight.[LNB]However, it has emerged that Newcastle's medics raised concerns with the FA about his apparent quick recovery from a groin injury.[LNB] In the running: Andy Carroll trains with fellow England newcomer Jordan Henderson (right) at Wembley yesterday[LNB]England staff, who have already lost first-choice keeper Joe Hart to injury, are carrying out further checks before deciding if the 21-year-old will start, but it seems certain Carroll will play at least some part in the game.[LNB]Newcastle fear for the consequences of over-exerting their top scorer, knowing any aggravation of the problem could rule Carroll out of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton.[LNB]Carroll has been one of the mainstaysof Newcastle's creditable start to life back in the top flight, which currently sees him at the top of the scoring stakes with seven goals to date.[LNB]One of those was the winner in his club's shock 1-0 victory at Arsenal earlier this month, a game for whichCapello was at the Emirates Stadium.[LNB] On target: Carroll impressed Capello with the winner against Arsenal earlier this month[LNB]Newcastle's concern is perhaps understandable with Shola Ameobi battling the hamstring injury which kept him out of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Fulham.[LNB]Capello has been keen to spend time with Carroll and said yesterday that he would be sitting down with the controversial striker todiscuss the off-pitch issues that have overshadowed a career on the rise.[LNB]Carrollwas last month ordered to pay £5,000 in fines, compensation and costsafter pleading guilty to assaulting a man in a nightclub and he is dueback in court in January on a separate charge of assaulting a formergirlfriend.[LNB] Big chance: Jordan Henderson (centre)[LNB]Starter: Kieran Gibbs[LNB] The England boss is using the France game to run the rule over several young stars, yesterday confirming his intentions to start Carroll, along with Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs and Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson. [LNB]Arsenal's Jack Wilshere would also have been a likely starter but will miss the match after suffering an injury in training.[LNB]Hart also picked up a problem at Wembley and has now been sent back to Manchester City after failing to recover from his back problem.[LNB]Birmingham keeper Ben Foster is nowcertain to play against France in Hart's absence, while Watford stopperScott Loach has been called up to the squad as cover.[LNB] Ouch: Manchester City keeper Joe Hart will miss the France match after being injured in training[LNB]Capello referred to Carroll as a 'really interesting player in the future' and added: 'This is a big chance. To play with thesenior side and to change his lifestyle. I hope he will understand whatreally happens when you play with the seniors. [LNB]'I havespoken to him about what he has to do during the game. I haven't spokento him about his private life but I will. Everyone makes mistakes whenthey're young. He's 21. A lot of people drink, no? [LNB]'We haveto help him but he has to understand he is in the senior team. Therewill be journalists, photographers, everyone focusing on him. Life willbe different now. Hisbehaviour has to be better. [LNB]'Wedecided it was not OK for him to stay with us for the Montenegro gamebecause his behaviour was not OK. Now we have picked him because he canimprove by staying with us. He has to be careful in every moment.'[LNB] Don't risk Andy Carroll! Newcastle United fear England striker isn't fit to face FranceDon't blow it! Capello warns bad boy Carroll not to waste his big chanceCome in No 9...your time is now! Newcastle star Carroll ready to shineBoozers are losers! Take it from me, says Rio, you can't drink and thriveNEWCASTLE UNITED FC
