Source: Telegraph
Andy Carroll sets sights on Newcastle survival after signing new deal
The England Under-20 forward put pen to paper on a new deal by signing a new three-and-a-half year contract before his attention quickly turned to Newcastle's fight for survival. [LNB]"I'm over the moon to get my future sorted and there was never any doubt I would sign a new deal," said the Gateshead-born 20-year-old targetman said. "This is where I want to play my football and this season has been a dream for me. [LNB] Related ArticlesSmith: Newcastle united for scrap[LNB]Newcastle in plea to fans[LNB]Kinnear targets return[LNB]Xisco plea to play for Newcastle[LNB]Andy Carroll earns Newcastle call[LNB]Newcastle starlet Andy Carroll praises Alan Shearer and Michael Owen[LNB]"I came into the side earlier in the year and scored twice in six games. My first goal for my hometown club against West Ham was amazing and I hope to score many more in the future. [LNB]"But my immediate aim is to get back in the team and help us stay in the Premier League." [LNB]The 6ft 3in Carroll will be hoping to repay the club's faith in his talents when relegation-threatened Newcastle head to Hull's KC Stadium on Saturday for a game being billed as a 'cup final' by club skipper Michael Owen. [LNB]"It's a huge battle," Carroll added. "We need a win there to get us out of it. After the performance against Manchester United, we just need to keep our heads up. [LNB]"We must go into the game against Hull feeling positive. It will be tough, but we must get three points. All we need to do is concentrate on ourselves." [LNB]With the likes of Owen and Obafemi Martins ahead of Carroll in the pecking order he knows he must bide his time for a starting slot but he is determined to prove himself and improve on a record of two goals in 16 appearances. [LNB]"There are five or six strikers at the club, so I just have to score goals," said Carroll who started his first senior match two months ago. "Whether that is in training or the reserves I don't know, but hopefully the gaffer sees what I can do." [LNB]Meanwhile, Carroll, who spent part of last season on loan at Preston, has been recalled to the England Under-20 squad for their friendly match against Italy at Loftus Road on March 31. [LNB]Carroll's agent Peter Harrison added: "He is delighted to have committed his future to Newcastle United. [LNB]"It is great for him to get it out of the way so he can now concentrate on his football. He is a local lad and Newcastle was the only place he wanted to be, and it is a great deal for him. [LNB]"The fans have taken to him and I am sure he will become a huge favourite in the years to come." [LNB]
