Source: Northern_Echo
Carroll aiming to thrive on competition
MARLON HAREWOOD should soon become an attacking option for Chris Hughton, but Andy Carroll is in no mood to give up his new role as Newcastle Uniteds first-choice striker.[LNB] Since returning from a groin injury last week, Carroll has found the net in successive matches, culminating in a man of the match display in Saturdays 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle.[LNB] His form has earned the praise of Hughton and the clubs supporters, but the 20- year-old fears it might also have led to earlier than expected respect from Championship defenders.[LNB] Pilgrims boss Paul Strurrock had clearly seen something worth trying to counter when Carroll was subjected to man-handling at St James Park and the forward is now braced for more of the same.[LNB] Im going to have to get used to the special treatment, its part of the game because they dont want me winning the ball in the air and they dont want me to get it into my feet and turning with it, said Carroll, ahead of tonights trip to Peterborough United in the Carling Cup.[LNB] Ill have to take a few kicks and bruises along the way. Its my job to try to win as many headers as I can and Ill try to give as good as I get.[LNB] I suppose Im going to be a marked man now, two goals in two games will make people sit up and take notice. Its nice to have that sort of recognition, but it doesnt make my job any easier of course.[LNB] It was tough against Plymouth, they were holding us and grabbing the whole time.[LNB] They were putting a man in front of me and behind me so I couldnt move backwards or get a run up on the header. Its tough and very physical and teams will continue to use those tactics.[LNB] It is a mark of the progress made by Carroll that, despite such close attention, he tormented the Plymouth defence, scoring a terrific half volley and going close with another.[LNB] His opportunity this season has arisen because of a lack of other options for Hughton; the injured Shola Ameobi and the inexperienced Nile Rangers being the only realistic alternatives.[LNB] But the attacking ranks should be boosted this week after progress in talks between Newcastle, Aston Villa and Harewood.[LNB] Carroll is not taking his selection for granted, however, and has told Hughton that he intends to keep working hard on trying to improve so that he can live up to his potential.[LNB] Ive still got a lot of improvement to make, particularly with my hold up play,[LNB] said Carroll. I also want to get in the gym and work extra hard because I want to get stronger.[LNB] I have to be able to hold my own physically if Im going to rise to the challenge of leading the line for Newcastle United in the Championship.[LNB] Its always going to be a battle in this division and Ive got to work on my hold up play, bringing other people into the game and linking up moves.[LNB] A deal for Harewood will not be concluded in time for him to play at London Road, but he could arrive before the trip to Ipswich on Saturday.[LNB] I believe we are close to agreeing everything and hopefully the move can be finalised later this week, said Harewoods agent Phil Sproson.[LNB] Talks are ongoing between both clubs and I think they are keen to get it resolved.[LNB] Marlon is back to fitness now and he is ready and raring to go. He is very keen to go to Newcastle and playing regular first team football again.[LNB] Hughton will make changes tonight with Kazenga Lua-Lua and Ranger both expected to start. Defender Tamas Kadar will also figure and he is likely to replace Danny Simpson, who is struggling with an ankle problem.[LNB] NEWCASTLE (probable): Krul; R Taylor, Khizanishvili, Kadar, Enrique; Lua-Lua, Butt, Smith, Guthrie; Ranger, Carroll.[LNB]
