England manager Roy Hodgson insists Andy Carroll's robust style is not a handicap to his international ambitions.
Carroll was restored to the England fold on Thursday when Hodgson unveiled his squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil. An obvious aerial threat, Carroll is a handful for any Barclays Premier League defender, but his combative style has not always found favour with continental referees.
Hodgson does not view this as a problem for the Geordie, who performed well at Euro 2012 and clearly has the capacity to unsettle defences, and he said: "Since Andy has come back from injury, he has been in our thoughts. I am not concerned about his playing style."
He added: "You don't necessarily fill your team with players who are virtually clones of each other. It is very important to have some members who can give you another dimension."
It was his first call-up since a late substitute appearance against San Marino in October and is just reward for a series of outstanding performances for West Ham in the final weeks of the campaign.
Hodgson added: "There is always going to be room for a centre forward of his class and type. He is good at holding the ball up and very good at attacking crosses, not only in the opponents' penalty box but also our own."
Also included for the first time was Reading's Alex McCarthy, who takes over the number three goalkeeping berth as Jack Butland is on under-21 duty.
Hodgson has vowed to field strong sides in both games, and is looking to use them as preparation for crucial World Cup qualifiers in the autumn.
Hodgson's plans for the next fortnight have been complicated by the knowledge players from Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are required to jet off as soon as the Premier League campaign is over to fulfil post-season obligations.
It means a eight of his squad will effectively be getting straight off a plane and heading to St George's Park next Sunday.
Source: PA
